Store's bag cash goes to hospice

PEP&CO has raised £642 for Hartlepool & District Hospice, which ensures that people affected by life limiting illness or the death of a loved have the care, comfort and support they need.

The Hartlepool store opened last summer at Middleton Grange Shopping Centre and the fashion retailer pledged that every penny raised from compulsory carrier bag levies would be used to support local communities.

The store then organised a small community group to suggest where the funds could be best used, with the hospice being the chosen local good cause.

Store manager Nicola Barnes said: “With the carrier bag levies we’ve still been able to charge a little to our customers, but give a lot back to our local community.

“We’d like to thank our customers for their generosity in helping towards a really worthy cause.”

Greg Hildreth, corporate fundraiser at Hartlepool & District Hospice, added: “We’re grateful and very pleased to have been nominated by PEP&CO colleagues in Hartlepool as their chosen charity for this excellent fundraising initiative.

“All of the money received will be used to fund our specialist care services to patients and their families who are affected by incurable illnesses.

“This is a fantastic donation and on behalf of everyone at Hartlepool & District Hospice, I would like to say thank you once again and congratulations to the store on a successful first year.”

PEP&CO recently shared its story in a six-part ITV1 series, Bargain Shop Wars.