Nisa Local Smithy Green in Wigan has donated £400 to Fever Morris Dancers through Nisa's Making a Difference Locally charity initiative.
The donation will be put towards the troupe's efforts to replace their worn-out and mismatched costumes to brand new outfits for years to come.
The Fever Morris Dancers, a group of 84 dancers ranging from ages 2 to 45, appealed for community support in the Wigan Today newspaper.
With a motto of "every child deserves to shine," the troupe welcomes dancers of all abilities and backgrounds. However, their current costumes were becoming increasingly inadequate and disheartening for the younger members, especially when competing against other troupes with more polished attire.
"We are incredibly grateful for this generous donation from Nisa Local Smithy Green," said Diane Splaine, a leader of Fever Morris Dancers.
"The funds will be a tremendous help in purchasing new dresses, which cost around £130 each. This will allow our dancers to perform with pride and confidence."
Nisa's Making a Difference Locally initiative supports charities nominated by its retailers across the UK. Funds for the Fever Morris Dancers were raised through sales of Co-op own brand products at the Nisa Local Smithy Green store.
Nisa Local Smith Green has donated almost £20,000 to local community causes including recent donations to Ince Christ Church Food Pantry, Wigan St Pats Under 18s and Brighter Dayz.
"We are delighted to support the Fever Morris Dancers through our Making a Difference Locally fund," said Mitesh Halai, store owner at Nisa Local Smithy Green. "The troupe brings joy to the community through their traditional dance performances, and we are proud to help them continue their important work."
Kate Carroll, Head of Charity at Nisa, added: “This is a fantastic example of how Nisa stores can be a real support for community groups struggling to operate financially. Nisa Local Smithy Green continue to demonstrate how community is at the heart of what they do and they are perfect retailers to work with MADL for the benefit of groups like Fever Morris Dancers.”
