Merkur UK raise charitable donations to £1.25m

Merkur UK has underlined its strong community credentials by making a £5,000 donation to the UK’s Bacta Charitable Trust. Industry figurehead and Chairman of the Trust, Jimmy Thomas, together with Bacta Chief Executive John White were on the Blueprint Operations stand at the recent EAG show to acknowledge the donation which was made on behalf of Merkur UK by General Manager, Sascha Blodau. The donation, which is part of the Merkur Initiative programme introduced to help support smaller community-based good causes, raises Merkur’s charitable contributions in the UK to a staggering £1.25m.

Reflecting on the donation, Jimmy Thomas stated: “This sum is hugely appreciated by everyone connected with the Bacta Charitable Trust and extends Merkur UK’s tremendous support for community-focussed worthy causes. The last two-years have been extremely difficult for everyone in society not least the charity sector which saw its revenue streams run dry virtually over-night as a result of Covid-19. Contributions such as the one made by Merkur UK serve as a lifeline.”

Sascha Blodau added: “Merkur Initiative is all about providing financial assistance to those smaller charities that don’t receive the level of publicity and support enjoyed by bigger and better-known organisations. So far Merkur Initiative has helped over 40 such groups including an animal sanctuary, a foodbank in Manchester, an organisation that provides entertainment for children while they are receiving treatment in hospital, a hospice roof appeal, a homelessness organisation and the Gurkha Welfare Trust. What I hope we are demonstrating is that it’s possible to be a successful commercial organisation at the same time as being a responsible, progressive and positive corporate citizen. I am delighted that we have been able to support the UK trade association and help it to continue its fantastic work in the community.”