Local causes benefit (From Witney Gazette)

Local causes benefit

2:38pm Tuesday 29th January 2008 in Witney By David Horne

THE first payouts from a new scheme to help local causes are being made by Witney's Waitrose supermarket.

Shoppers have been taking part in the 'Helping Hand' scheme by choosing what projects to support through green tokens given to them at the checkouts.

Each month, the Woolgate store is dividing £1,000 between three community causes, and today, the share out from the first two months is being handed over.

Those benefiting are: Witney Community Hospital, New Yatt Riding for the Disabled, Listen youth club for young people with learning disabilities, Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, Bridewell Organic Gardens, and Broadhill Pre-School.

Gill Armstrong, store manager, said: "We are delighted that our store has been selected as the first to use the Waitrose 'Helping Hands' scheme, and recognise the important work of so many local causes and charities.

"It's great that our customers have a say in who we help out."

The scheme is in its third month, and customers can vote for the Mulberry Bush School, at Standlake, Wild Theatre, and Specal, the Burford-based Alzheimer's charity.