CHILDREN 1ST HAS IT IN THE BAG WITH SPAR

SPAR Scotland’s wholesaler, CJ Lang and Son Ltd, which runs 92 of its own stores under the SPAR facia, has announced that it has donated £11,735 to Children 1ST, after only four weeks of the introduction of a new chargeable carrier bag scheme. Under the conditions of the scheme, shoppers are charged 2p for every single use carrier bag, which they request. All proceeds from this activity are donated to CHILDREN 1ST, formerly known as the Royal Scottish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Children. The scheme is undoubtedly proving worthwhile to CHILDREN 1ST, who along with the NSPCC, have already benefited from over £1 Million as SPAR’s chosen charity, but it looks like it is also benefiting the Scottish environment. Usage of carrier bags has been reduced from 156,600 in week one of the scheme to 138,000 in week four; a decrease of almost 12%. Philippe Rondepierre, Business Development Controller for SPAR Scotland commented: “We are delighted with early results, following introduction of the charge. Not only are we managing to reduce usage of carrier bags but we are also able to demonstrate to our shoppers that we are not seeking to profit from the levy”. Lou Lanos, fundraiser for CHILDREN 1ST added: “It is great for Scottish children to be able to benefit, via CHILDREN 1st, from an initiative which will also have a positive impact on the environment they live in. We are grateful to SPAR for their continued, active support”. Pictures attached, cheque presentation of the donation at the SPAR Broomhill – Image 1 is L to R: Lou Lanos, Fundraising Manager, Children 1st and Paul Kenyon, Store Manager, SPAR Broomhill Image 2 is L to R: (SPAR Broomhill store staff) Katie Gallacher, Assistant Manager; Louise Logan, Sales Assistant; Paul Kenyon, Store Manager; John Clark, Sales Assistant. For additional information, please contact Philippe Rondepierre on 01382 512000 or email philippe.rondepierre@cjlang.co.uk