Tesco supermarkets in Portsmouth and Whiteley turn pink to raise money for good cause

Tesco held its annual national fundraiser for Cancer Research UK last weekend, with stores such as the ones in Crasswell Street, Portsmouth and Whiteley taking part.

More than £5,100 was raised for charity for the good cause at the two stores, with staff members dressing up and holding sponsored walks, activities and character meet and greets.

Cancer Research UK fundraisers are a tradition for Tesco stores, but for Crasswell Street’s staff there was added motivation for the event, as two of its workers were recently diagnosed with cancer.

Staff member Maria Camilleri, from Fratton, said: ‘We went a bit extra this year, and for a little store like we are, the amount we raised is massive.’

The store has currently raised £2,700 but Maria expects the figure to rise due to their raffle entries.

Around 20 members of staff participated in a 5km walk around the outside of the store, as an alternative to the cancelled Race for Life.

The workers were dressed up in outfits such as Spiderman, Peppa Pig and Sonic the Hedgehog.

Maria said: ‘The atmosphere really brought our store closer together. Even the store manager dressed up in a leopard print gangster suit.’

‘The public loved it, and were even putting in money for photos with the characters. It was amazing.’

Activities on the day included a children’s entertainer, a socially distanced tombola and a sweet treat lucky dip.

There was also a DJ that took song requests, including a Cha-Cha Slide performance from the dressed-up members of staff.

Tesco Whitely also helped fight cancer, turning their store pink for three days and raising £2,400 for charity.

Carole Runalls, who works at the Whitely store, had her head shaved as part of the fundraiser.

Carole said: ‘We had a great three days and the customers were really generous.

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‘Everyone supported me in getting my head shaved. I genuinely didn’t mind having it done if it helped to raise money to combat cancer.’

She was one of many that dressed up in a pink costumes.

Like the Crasswell Street store, Tesco Whitely had a variety of socially distanced games for the shoppers, and a donation-ready wishing well.

Caroline Mannell, community champion at the store, was one of the staff with collection buckets throughout the three days.

She said: ‘Our Tesco Turns Pink event was really good fun and everyone entered into the spirit of things. We’re very grateful to all the customers who’ve supported us.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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