Tesco staff smash charity fundraising target

The money was raised during their Tesco's Charity of the Year partnership with Alzheimer's Society and Alzheimer Scotland in 2011 (from 1 March 2011 to 29 February 2012).

The charities and retail chain worked together to make this the most successful Charity of the Year partnership for the business so far. Thousands of Tesco staff and customers took on fundraising challenges throughout the year to raise money to fund much needed services. Over the course of the year, the partnership has seen:

• 4,157 fundraising events
• 550 members of staff taking on extreme challenges including 157 members of staff doing a sky-dive and 24 trekking Mount Kilimanjaro
• The launch of the first ever educational Dementia Community Roadshow visiting 154 towns and travelling 24, 830 miles
• 25 new dementia supporter workers funded to support 100,000 more people living with dementia and their carers

On 25 April, Tesco, Alzheimer's Society and Alzheimer Scotland celebrated their fantastic joint achievements by recognising individual staff fundraisers who have gone above and beyond to raise vital money for the Charity of the Year. Eighteen members of staff received awards for their exceptional contribution to the charity partnership.

Speaking at the Tesco Charity of The Year staff fundraising awards ceremony TV presenter and journalist, Ruth Langsford, said:

'It's so heart warming to see all the hard work and generosity of Tesco staff and customers which has helped raise over £7.5 million for people living with dementia. I've been truly impressed by all the weird and wonderful things people have done to raise money and the passion they have shown. I'm really proud to have been a part of it.'

Jeremy Hughes, Chief Executive of Alzheimer's Society, said that the money raised will help over 100,000 people over the next five years. He said:

'The amazing £7.5million raised by Tesco staff and customers will make a huge impact on the quality of life of people living with dementia. We have been overwhelmed by the great response we've had from Tesco staff, showing their support for the cause by smashing the fundraising target so we really can make huge strides in the fight against dementia.'

Ruth Girardet, Corporate Responsibility and Community Director for Tesco, said:

'The past year has been an amazing journey. Tesco staff and customers have been immensely generous with their time and money, raising over £7.5million, making this our most successful charity partnership so far. All their hard work has paid off so we can make an even bigger difference than anyone imagined in the fight against dementia.'

The money raised through the partnership has helped fund:

• Dementia support workers, helping carers and those living with dementia
• The first ever Dementia Community Roadshow, aimed at raising awareness of dementia and improving diagnosis rates which will continue touring Tesco stores for the next two years.
• Increased capacity for the National Dementia Helpline, a lifeline for people worried about dementia and related issues
• Two research fellowships into the causes, prevention and treatment of dementia

As part of the legacy of the Charity of the Year partnership, Tesco have signed up to be part of the Dementia Friendly Communities Champion Group, an initiative aimed raising awareness and understanding of dementia being led by Alzheimer's Society and the Department of Health.