Belfast convenience store selected as one of Allwyn’s Local Retail Champions
A Belfast shop owner has been named as one of Allwyn’s Local Retail Champions, at their inaugural awards event.
The National Lottery operator hosted a special awards ceremony at the Hilton Wembley on Wednesday 4th December.
At the event, a total of 16 regional winners were announced, with Gerard McKee, of McKees Convenience Store, Belfast one of the winners, securing £5000 in cash.
Launched in September, Allwyn’s very first Local Retail Champions campaign – funded by Allwyn’s Social Value Fund – asked the UK public to nominate National Lottery retailers who go above and beyond to support their local community. From almost 1,000 stores nominated, Allwyn selected two national and 16 regional winners, as well as 102 runners-up.
Coldean Convenience in Brighton and Londis Solo Convenience Store in Glasgow were crowned National Winners with both retailers awarded £5,000 cash and a Social Value store makeover worth up to £20,000.
Meanwhile, the 16 Regional Winners – who were each awarded £5,000 cash – picked up their Local Retail Champions awards which are made from recycled National Lottery Scratchcards. Additionally, 102 runners-up will receive a £100 cash prize.
‘WONDERFUL WORK’
Allwyn’s Director of Commercial Partnerships and Retail Sales, Alison Acquaye-Acford said: “Congratulations to all of our Local Retail Champions winners. You’re all doing such incredible work in your local communities and, as National Lottery retailers, we’re delighted to be able to recognise and reward you for this.
“National Lottery retailers already do so much for communities around the UK simply by selling lottery tickets that help fund Good Causes to the tune of around £30 million each week. So, our Local Retail Champions really are doubling up on efforts to help their communities with the work they’ve been nominated and awarded for through this initiative. Thank you for all your wonderful work.”
The Local Retail Champions initiative is being paid for with money from Allwyn’s dedicated Social Value Fund, which is an annual £1 million that the company has committed to using to support operating The National Lottery in an environmentally and socially responsible way. This year, Allwyn is using a portion of the fund to reward and recognise the important role its retail partners play in every community across the UK and Isle of Man.
