The work in the community being undertaken by a Moray business was recognised last week when the region’s MP called in at Asda’s Elgin store.
Asda were recently named as winners of two accolades from the Scottish Business in the Community Awards, with the Elgin store very much leading the way in their efforts thanks to the work of Louise George and Emma Chapman.
Louise and Emma have become very well known faces throughout Moray as they lend their assistance to many community group efforts. The pair helped push MFR’s Cash for Kids efforts by hosting a ‘Lady’s Pamper Night’ while they were also on hand to help efforts to clean up Lossiemouth Beach.
More often than not the store’s training room or cafe is pressed into community use by Louise and Emma, who helped host events such as a recent visit by children of the ‘Early Birds’ group in Elgin. Another initiative supported by the girls was the ‘Kwick Cricket’ festival in Fochabers where young people tried out a new and much more fun way of playing the game.
All these efforts and a great deal more around the country led to Asda taking a ‘Large Company of the Year’ award alongside the coveted ‘Building Strong Communities’ prize.
To mark the local achievements of Emma and Lousie, Moray’s MP Angus Robertson presented them with certificates marking their ‘fantastic’ work in the community. Mr Robertson said: “I know that there is a huge range of community activities that are supported by Asda staff from their Elgin store and the Community Life initiative is benefiting a whole range of local groups and organisations.
“Asda’s success in the Scottish Business in the Community Awards is not just a box ticking exercise but one that has required significant investment by the company both financially and in significant time and effort to support community related work.
“This has included training and supporting local staff like Emma and Louise to co-ordinate Community Life activities here in Moray.
“As a result of this activity there is greater awareness of local groups, new fundraising opportunities and practical hands on support from enthusiastic Asda staff who have got stuck into things like community gardening and litter picks.
“It is an excellent initiative that continues to connect groups with each other and which generates much wider community interest and involvement in charitable and volunteering work.”
While in the store Mr Robertson also presented a special award to another local fundraiser who has worked tirelessly for the community, Emma introducing the MP to Claire Benton.
Emma said: “We were delighted that Mr Robertson agreed to present a certificate on our behalf to Claire, whose fundraising efforts throughout Moray have been quite incredible.
“She is one of many people in Moray who just never seem to tire of ensuring the lives of others are that little bit more comfortable, we are indebted to the work that Claire carries out and that of all the volunteers throughout Moray who make this such a wonderful community in which to live and work.”