WAITROSE shoppers have helped raise almost £300 for Chester-based charity Children Today through the store’s Waitrose and Partners Community Matters scheme.

The money was collected throughout January at the Chester Waitrose store as shoppers received a green Community Matters token at checkout.

With three charities to choose from, the people of Chester then dropped it into the box of their choice in store - each token contributing towards a donation.

Staff at the Chester city centre store proudly presented Children Today with a cheque of £292 earlier this month (March). The donation will go towards helping children and young people with disabilities and their families.

Tracy Crump, the store’s partner and community matters champion, said: “We’re delighted to have raised so much for Children Today.

"The support of the Chester community continues to be fantastic for our Community Matters scheme, which helps us to carry on supporting more worthy local causes every month.”

The Community Matters scheme, which was initiated in 2008, helps Waitrose branches give something back to the local area.

Every month, each Waitrose store donates a share of £1,000 between three causes.

With this donation Children Today, which provides grants for specialist equipment (such as adapted trikes and powered wheelchairs) for children and young people with disabilities, can continue to help transform lives for the better.

Emma Prescott, head of communications for Children Today, said: “As our charity receives no funding from the Government or NHS, we are totally reliant on donations from individuals and businesses to keep making a difference to the lives of children and young people in need.

"With the current climate it has never been more important for us to receive support like this so we can continue to help those families who rely on our support.

"We’re very grateful to Waitrose for their support and to the generosity of their shoppers in voting for Children Today."

To support Children Today, visit www.childrentoday.org.uk or call 01244 335622.