Upper Bucklebury store donates cheque to dementia charity

A local branch of a multinational convenience store chain has presented a hefty cheque to a dementia charity.

SPAR Upper Bucklebury has donated £5,000 to Younger People with Dementia, a charity helping people living with young onset dementia, their family and carers.

The donation came from SPAR’s Community Cashback Scheme, part of the retailer’s commitment to supporting its local neighbourhoods.

SPAR Upper Bucklebury’s owner and exonerated former subpostmaster, Hasmukh Shingadia said: “We were happy to present the charity with the cheque.

“SPAR Upper Bucklebury has been part of the Berkshire community for years, and we are hoping this money will go to support a lot of younger people affected by onset dementia.”

The charity currently operates across Berkshire, North-East Hampshire, Surrey Heath and Farnham, delivering activity-based workshops, education, training, plus carer and children support groups and social events.

Its joint director, Caroline Blanchette, told newburytoday: “It is only through support from organisations like SPAR that we are able to continue the work we do supporting those living with a diagnosis of young onset dementia.”

AF Blakemore’s business development executive for SPAR Upper Bucklebury Andrew Heron added: “AF Blakemore and SPAR are very proud to be giving away money to causes like Younger People with Dementia, who are supporting local people in the communities we serve.

“Our SPAR independent retailers are rooted to their local communities and are always proud to support these initiatives.”

SPAR’s £100,000 Community Cashbacks deliver various grants to local voluntary, community organisations and charities.

Shoppers from all over the UK can apply for a grant for an organisation or charity they feel deserves funding.

All applicants must do is share an exceptional contribution a local organisation has made to their community and describe what the grant would go towards.