Colleagues from around Radstock Co-operative Society’s fifteen stores swapped their uniforms in favour of their favourite team’s football strip during the Euro 2016 competition.

But as well as having fun and enjoying the football banter with customers, colleagues chose to combine the event with doing some good. They introduced a levy to wear your kit for the day and put the collection buckets out in stores for customers to donate any spare change.

STAR, Somerset Trust for Arts and Recreation, was selected by colleagues to be the recipients of the amount raised.

Vicki Przytocki, Head of HR and Communications at Radstock Co-op, said: “We gave colleagues the brief that perhaps the cause chosen should be one that benefits local people or communities and has a sporting connection. Our staff conducted some online research and quickly suggested STAR as a deserving cause.”

STAR is a registered charity and provides opportunities for Somerset Children ‘in need’ through participation in sports and recreational activities, building self-esteem, which helps them learn to build resilience against adversity in their lives.

Vicki Przytocki continued: “When the staff presented me with their recommendation, STAR ticked all the boxes. The work that the charity does is vital in supporting disadvantaged and vulnerable children and young people. Activities and support helps build their self-esteem, which has often been damaged through neglect, poverty or social exclusion. STAR has, in the past, also supported young carers, who have a tremendous responsibility to family members and help them to connect with others in similar situations, providing some respite from their daily duties through participation in leisure activities.

“We were more than happy that the money raised should go towards STAR.”

The fundraising, together with a donation from the society, resulted in a cheque for £500 being presented to Helen Bown of STAR by Shepton Mallet Co-op Store Manager, Ally Church and supervisor, Lee Ralph.

Helen Bown, Development Officer of STAR, was delighted to receive the cheque and said, “STAR would like to thank Radstock Co-op for their generous fundraising efforts. All of the money raised will help to support Somerset young people in need to experience opportunities in sport, art and music.”

For further information about STAR, visit: www.somerset-star.org.uk