Nearby NI have been on the lookout over the past few months for their Local Legend or Legends in the local community. Customers of Nearby have been flocking to stores around the country to ensure their local community group or person gets nominated for all the great work they do. From community groups who make a real difference to heart warming individuals who go out of their way to help others; there has been an overwhelming response to the campaign with entries pouring in online, through our web and social channels as well as in each Nearby store.
The judging panel was finally able to narrow it down allowing the Nearby NI team to surprise the winning group and their team leaders at their local Nearby store in Co. Armagh. The prize was a £500 cheque from Nearby NI to reward the group for the fantastic work they do.
Entries were in abundance for local community group Triple A who provide activities and social opportunities for adults with autism and learning disabilities in the Co. Armagh area. Daniel Comiskey Brand Marketing Lead had this to say, “Community grants and funds have become increasingly challenging for small groups like Triple A to raise; especially with the cost of living and lack of an NI Executive and we are delighted here at Nearby to not only be able to support in this way but to raise awareness of the continuous excellent work the group does for families in the local community.”
Bernie O’Connor who runs Triple A and who organized for her team and the group to head to store for their usual ice cream counter trip got more than she expected when Denise Watson, U105 Radio Presenter appeared with a trophy and some flowers. Nearby had teamed up with local Radio Station U105 and radio presenter Denise Watson to really surprise the group in store before announcing the prize fund.
Here is what Bernie had to say, “This prize will go a long way for the group and help us continue to go on different trips and activities. I was so surprised at the volume of entries we received from the people around us. Triple A is going over 6 Years and we know how much it means to the group and their families. It means so much to us. I would like to say a big thanks for everyone who nominated Triple A and the kind words wrote about the group in the entries – it is going to make a lot of difference to everyone involved.”
The competition was the latest activity undertaken by the Nearby team to support the brand’s community campaign. The campaign highlights the importance of their Nearby store in the community and how the store can be seen as the hub for many.
Daniel Comiskey concluded, “ On behalf of Nearby, I am delighted to present this cheque to the Triple A group and hope that they will be able to continue to do the amazing work and provide the support for so many. Triple A are certainly Local Legends to us. I would like to thank everyone who entered this competition; the response was phenomenal. The insight into the outstanding work our shoppers do and are proud to nominate in the local community has proved very humbling.”