Two Nisa retailers to help run the group’s charity

Valerie Aston, director of the Scarborough-based Proudfoot Group, and Baz Aslam, director of Fishpool News in Bury, were appointed following an application process in November.

Aston has worked at the Proudfoot supermarket group for more than 28 years.

The Yorkshire-based group operates four supermarkets, based in Newby, Eastfield, Seamer and Manham Hill.

Proudfoot stores have themselves supported local causes with more than £110,000 in donations raised through Making a Difference Locally to date and have won numerous Nisa awards for their extensive charitable activity within their local community.

Valerie said: “I look forward to having the chance to support and shape the work and strategic direction of the MADL charity, making a significant difference to a cause that matters to me.

“What inspires me most about MADL is how it supports small and local charities that people in our communities and across the UK would be lost without.

“Knowing that something I will be part of is able to contribute, to help transform a community, is really heartening.”

Aslam runs Fishpool News which has been operated by his family since 2008 and joined Nisa just last year in a bid to give his store a new lease of life.

Aslam said: “I’d like to try to bring a different vision and drive to the charity as it has the ability to reach out to so many different areas of the community that need help but have limited options in getting it.

“I have seen for myself in a short space of time what MADL is capable of achieving.

“I wish to help the charity and the hardworking people involved to make it better and help out as many people as we can.”

Making a Difference Locally will also be launching a new Retailer Forum this week to encourage Nisa partners to share their thoughts and feedback on the charity and any further support they may need.