At the start of lockdown, The British Independent Retailers Association Bira offered independent retailers (including cookshops and housewares stockists) the opportunity to sign up for a free three-month Coronavirus Membership Package in return for a nominal donation of £1, £5 or £10 to the Rainy Day Trust (RDT).
The deal was available until the end of June and gave new members temporary support through the unprecedented pandemic.
The offer, taken up by 266 indie retailers, raised a total of £1,073 for the industry charity, which raises funds to support the housewares and home improvement workforce and their families in times of need.
Bryan Clover, ceo of the RDT, said: “The Rainy Day Trust is incredibly grateful for the amazing £1,093 raised from Bira members through the three-month free membership scheme.
“The travel restrictions may be eased but thousands of people still need our help. A quick look at the news shows that furloughed staff are starting to become redundant staff. But we can also help Bira members look after their staff through the transition back to normality; whatever that looks like.
“The Trust has a range of help that members can call upon and we are tapped into the entire charity sector, and have the specialist knowledge to hunt down the help that people need. If we can help you, give us a call.”
Andrew Goodacre, Bira’s ceo added: “We are delighted by the response from the members regarding the support for the Rainy Day Trust.
“Even when times are so difficult independent retailers have found a way of supporting a very worthy cause. I would like to personally thank everyone for their contributions.”
Top: The Rainy Day Trust helps people of all ages that work (or worked) in the home enhancement industry.
