The John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation was delighted to have been selected as Sainsbury's Ferndown Local Charity of the Year for 2016/17. Sainsbury’s colleagues and customers have been great friends of the charity for many years, but no-one was expecting the incredible amount of £11,455.42 which was raised in store and donated by Sainsbury's from carrier bag sales.

Pictured above presenting a big cheque to Pete Thornton, Chairman of the JTYAF, is a group of Sainsbury’s colleagues together with Sainsbury’s Ferndown, Store Manager, Richard Lockett.

The charity would like to thank Sainsbury’s Ferndown and all the exceptionally kind shoppers and colleagues who have contributed to this huge total. Thanks, must also go to the JTYAF Volunteers and particularly Royal Marine Richie Puttock and his team, whose Press Up Challenge alone, raised £3600.

Working in partnership with Sainsbury’s for the benefit of local young people really puts the charity at the heart of the community and has made a huge difference to the opportunities that can be provided to local youngsters.

Store Manager, Richard Lockett, commented, "We have had a fantastic year working with the John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation and we are extremely proud to have helped raise £11,455 over the year. Our colleagues have voted to support the Foundation for another year and hopefully we will have an equally successful year together."

So it is all set to continue!

The JTYAF will be in store at Sainsbury's Ferndown from the 15th to 17th December and shoppers will be treated to a bit of added Festive sparkle with local choirs singing carols and Christmas tunes, JTYAF volunteers on hand to help with packing and lots going on. Why not put the dates in your diary? Christmas shopping will be much more fun with the JTYAF around!