Not too far from our charity HQ is Booths in Hale Barns. Part of a chain of high-end supermarkets in Northern England, most of its branches can be found in Lancashire, but there are also branches in Cheshire, Cumbria, Greater Manchester, North Yorkshire and West Yorkshire.
We were absolutely delighted when we received notification that the Hale Barns store recently chose Prevent Breast Cancer as their local charity for the coming year.
We caught up with Store Manager, Aga Zoltak, to find out more about Booths and why they chose to support Prevent Breast Cancer.
Can you tell us about Booths from a business perspective?
Our founder Edwin Henry Booth had one simple aim, which is still the philosophy at the heart of our business – “To sell the best goods he could buy in shops staffed with first-class assistants”.
There’s a good reason why we describe ourselves as a family at Booths. And it’s not just because we’re a close, happy team of people. It’s because Booths has always been, and always will be, a family business.
We remain a family-based company, and we like to think that everyone who works here is part of that family, and so valued and cared for. Our communities are everything to us and that’s why every year each store chooses a local charity to support. This year we have chosen to support Prevent Breast Cancer.
Can you tell us why Booths have chosen to partner with Prevent Breast Cancer?
In summer last year my best friend Izabela was diagnosed with breast cancer for the second time. It goes without saying it has been very challenging year for her and everyone who is close to her, me included. It’s so hard to describe the way you feel when your loved ones are going through life changing events, but one word that springs to mind is helplessness.
I always feel like it’s her story to tell so I don’t want to go into details about her illness but what I will say is this. Izabela is the strongest and most inspiring person I have ever known. She’s everything to me and she’s the reason I am so dedicated to this cause.
I can’t stop the feeling of wanting to do more and this is how I came across Prevent Breast Cancer.
Why did Prevent Breast Cancer stand out to you, over other charities?
There are so many amazing breast cancer charities out there doing fantastic work supporting anyone affected, but I thought, imagine a life without breast cancer altogether. Imagine not having to see your loved ones suffer.
How do you aim to support the charity in its goal to prevent breast cancer for future generations?
I have a fabulous team here at the Hale Barns store, they are the most caring bunch of people you’ll ever meet. I knew they will get behind the concept and that together we will raise lots of funds. All my colleagues are so enthusiastic about the fundraising, from Duncan who is running half a marathon wearing a pink tutu in October, to anyone who brings the books for our fundraising book table concept. We also trialled out ‘Pennies’ in store where we offered our customers the chance to donate 25p when paying with a card or digital wallet.
This was a great opportunity to raise lots of money for Prevent Breast Cancer. In 12 years since its original launch, Pennies has enabled more than 165 million micro donations, raising millions of pounds in much-needed additional income for charities in the UK and Republic of Ireland.
I am so proud of everything we are doing as a team, and I couldn’t be more grateful to my colleagues, as well as all our amazing customers.
What does a breast cancer free future mean to you?
It means everything. Breast cancer, as with any type of cancer is an awful and relentless disease, it affects so many lives. Who wouldn’t love to live in the world where you don’t have to worry about your loved ones or where you don’t have to suffer yourself? Just imagine.
Please visit Booths’ website to find out more about their company.
Could you and your company help fundraise for a breast cancer free future? If so, we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch today.
About Prevent Breast Cancer
Prevent Breast Cancer is the only UK charity entirely dedicated to the prediction and prevention of breast cancer – we’re committed to freeing the world from the disease altogether. Unlike many cancer charities, we’re focused on preventing, rather than curing. Promoting early diagnosis, screening and lifestyle changes, we believe we can stop the problem before it starts. And being situated at the only breast cancer prevention centre in the UK, we’re right at the front-line in the fight against the disease. Join us today and help us create a future free from breast cancer. If you have any questions or concerns, email us today.
About Prevent Breast Cancer
Prevent Breast Cancer is the only UK charity entirely dedicated to the prediction and prevention of breast cancer – we’re committed to freeing the world from the disease altogether. Unlike many cancer charities, we’re focused on preventing, rather than curing. Promoting early diagnosis, screening and lifestyle changes, we believe we can stop the problem before it starts. And being situated at the only breast cancer prevention centre in the UK, we’re right at the front-line in the fight against the disease. Join us today and help us create a future free from breast cancer. If you have any questions or concerns, email us today.
