North Dorset-based independent retailer Dike & Son has now donated over £100,000 to local community causes through Nisa’s Making a Difference Locally (MADL) charity.
Family-run since 1851, the supermarket has contributed to a range of community initiatives since partnering with Nisa in 1999 with many local sports clubs, community centres and hospices benefitting from the retailer’s generosity.
Recently, Dike & Son have made donations to Abbey 104 Community Radio, Stalbridge Primary School and Stalbridge History Society alongside contributions to sports teams Templecombe Rovers FC and North Dorset U13 Boys Football.
“We are so proud to have reached £100,000 in donations through our long-standing relationship with Nisa’s Making a Difference Locally charity,” Andy Dike, managing director at Dike & Son Ltd, said.
“We truly have community at the heart of what we do and working with MADL gives us the opportunity to build up a fund to distribute back into the community. Our work with MADL has supported thousands of people in Dorset and it is so important we continue that work moving forward.”
Harold Dike first started delivering groceries in Stalbridge in 1851. Five generations on, Andy Dike is on the shop floor daily in the same village, in a much bigger supermarket that opened in 2007. Independent and still-family run, the store also incorporates an active Café at the heart of the community, named after Andy's father William.
Kate Carroll, head of charity at Nisa, said: “Dike & Son have made a significant impact on many charitable causes and community groups over a very long period of time. The difference they have made to the lives of many people right across Dorset cannot be understated and MADL looks forward to continuing our work with Dike & Son for many years to come.”
MADL raises funds in Nisa partner stores from sales of all Co-op own-label products, with a percentage going into a virtual fund for retailers to donate. Additional funds can also be raised via in-store collecting tins and clothing banks.
Since its inception in 2008, MADL has donated over £17 million to local charities and community organisations.
Brian McLister