Emerson’s launches foundation to support locals
Emerson’s Foundation donates £422 to Action Cancer thanks to Uluru fashion show. Dean Coppard from Uluru Bar & Grill hands over the donation to Rebecca Dalzell from Action Cancer
Emerson’s Supermarket has launched a foundation with the aim of benefiting people living and working in the area through charitable donations.
The Emerson’s Foundation was launched on Monday in conjunction with Uluru Bar & Grill to highlight the positive contributions both businesses make in the local community.
The family-owned store has served Armagh City centre for over 125 years. The foundation will raise funds in two ways – through joint charitable events hosted by Uluru Bar & Grill and the supermarket, and with donations from the Nisa’s Making A Difference Locally (MADL) Fund.
Store owner Gavin Emerson said: “For a number of years we have been building a pot of money so we can help our customers, their families and the wider community.
“We have already contributed to some initiatives to the sum of around £2,000 and over the next number of years we will continue to help people.
“To assist us with this we have developed our own website – www.emersonsfoundation.org – which will showcase our news and will allow people to nominate a charitable cause and give their reasons why.
“Emerson’s Supermarket continues to add value to the lives of local people and, through the foundation, our aim is to help transform communities.”
The launch was also attended by Rebecca Dalzell from Action Cancer, Dean Coppard from Uluru Bar & Grill, and Clodagh Crowe from Rural Support.
Rebecca Dalzell received a cheque from the foundation for £422 on the day, and said it was “wonderful” to see the long standing family business develop an innovative way to support local charities and community groups.
“Action Cancer is delighted to have received such wonderful support from the Emerson Foundation for our Paint the Town Pink campaign,” she said. “An amazing £442 was raised for our unique breast screening service.”
The money had been raised during a fashion event in the Uluru restaurant. Welcoming the sum Dean Coppard said: “Upstairs @ Uluru is a fantastic space to host such events so we are thrilled to support a charity which helps so many people. The foundation is a great way to show our support.”
Rural Support, a charity supporting farming families, also received a £500 donation from the new foundation.
Committee member Alessie Magowan said: “The Rural Support donation is an example of the work our foundation will be doing. Emerson’s Supermarket greatly values its customers and this fundraising initiative for Rural Support is one way our team shows our support for farming families.
“We hope this £500 donation will help Rural Support continue to carry out its work supporting farming families and rural dwellers who have adversely affected by economic pressures and the prolonged deflated prices within the Agri-food sector.”
To date, £2,000 in donations has been pledged. Nominations are now open to other charities, and they can be nominated at www.emersonsfoundation.org. Deadline for first quarter nominations is March 31.
