Retailers raised £15.9m for charity

Retailers have raised more than £15.9 million for charities over the past year, new figures have revealed.

A report by the Scottish Retail Consortium, Supporting Scottish Communities, said 18 leading retail brands operating in Scotland raise money for charity through fundraising, carrier bag and direct donations.

Meanwhile, retail workers donated more than 12,000 hours of volunteering, and stores donated 600,000 meals and 300,000 clothing items to good causes.

Fundraising and donations for a specific charity partner was the largest category of donation, with Scottish good causes receiving £6.9m in 2017.

Carrier bag donations were worth £5.3m, while other direct corporate donations were worth £1.9m.

Finally, more than £500,000 was raised by retailers in Scotland for specific events including Poppyscotland, Comic Relief, and Children in Need.

Andrew Murphy, chairman of the Scottish Retail Consortium, said: “This report highlights the sheer scale of support provided by Scottish retailers to charities and good causes.”

He added: “Whether it’s through national support for large charities, or providing space in store for local groups, retailers across Scotland have put aside time and resources to support the amazing work done by these brilliant causes.”