Iceland in Deal donates four trolleys of milk to families in need as store closes for refit
20:50, 13 November 2020
updated: 10:42, 16 November 2020
Four trolleys of milk were donated to families in need when an Iceland store closed its doors for a refit.
The supermarket in Queen Street, Deal, shut on Thursday evening to allow for the £275,000 upgrade works which will take one week.
Surplus food left over at the end of the day was donated to United Families UK, a newly formed charity based in Deal, which offers support to mothers, fathers and families in need.
The arrangement had been set up by Iceland staff member Jason Wiles, who is also the foodbank manager within the charity.
Founder and chairman of United Families, Luke Shaw, said: "The store manager Sian Hulmes fully supports our project so she got authorisation from her area manager who agreed we could collect what was unsold at close of business.
"It consisted of four trolleys full and a cage full of milk, plus four trays of salad and vegetables."
Mr Shaw shared their gesture on the charity's Facebook page and around 60 people attended to collect items.
Volunteers also delivered supplies to 23 families and elderly people who couldn’t leave their homes for various reasons.
Mr Shaw added: "It’s always a huge honour when stores work with us like this, ensuring that nothing goes to waste.
"Our massive thanks goes to Iceland Deal, especially store manager Sian Hulmes and area manager Hassan."
Workmen could be seen dismantling the freezers and displays and digging up the floor of the store on Friday.
An Iceland spokesman said: "This is one of our continuing programme of refits of bring Iceland stores across the country up to our latest standards.
"In the case of Deal, we are investing some £275,000 in a comprehensive makeover that will give the store a completely new look and feel, including a new fascia and an extended product range.
"We are are also replacing all our freezers with new ones that are better for the environment."
The store will reopen on Thursday, November 19.
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