Ulster Grocer

Cliff was invited to join the committee of the NI Branch of Caravan just over two years ago, coming in as Chairman. “To be honest, I really didn’t know a lot about the charity beforehand, but when I was asked to join, I made a few enquiries with some of my colleagues in GB who were already involved (in fact, our company Chairman, David Reid, is the Patron of Caravan nationally). Having spoken with them I had a better understanding of the fundamental support that Caravan provides to people from the trade who have fallen on hard times and I was eager to do whatever I could to promote and develop the charity here on a local level,” said Cliff.

“Traditionally, support for Caravan (formerly known as the Grocers’ Benevolent Fund) in Northern Ireland has been sustained and driven by the independent retail sector and local suppliers. While the former Stewart’s Supermarkets were strong supporters, I believe I may be the first person from the UK multiple retail sector to get involved locally, which I think is a positive step forward and I would encourage the other multiples to come on board too.

“In business we are all competitors, of course, and there can sometimes be a bit of ribbing between us, but, at the end of the day, we all work in the same industry and I genuinely believe that what Caravan stands for and the good work it does transcends our differences and we should all unite in supporting such a worthy cause.”

HOW CARAVAN HELPS

Explaining more fully what Caravan is about, Cliff continued: “Caravan is probably the only charity that is exclusively for our industry – central office describes it as ‘for people in the grocery, provisions, greengrocers and off-licence industries’. This could be anyone, from a former business owner, a shop assistant to someone who worked in distribution. They must have worked for a minimum of ten years within the trade, but many of them may have spent their whole working lives in it. In any event, they are people who, for whatever reason or change in circumstances, have fallen on hard times and need some help.

“The majority of beneficiaries are living on the state pension and, after the everyday cost of living is deducted, have very little money left. Caravan can help with an annual payment of £778, paid quarterly, which works out at £15 per week. This may not seem like a lot, but it can actually double our beneficiaries’ disposable income.
“Many beneficiaries can’t afford to replace a broken cooker, a washing machine or in some cases even a bed. Caravan believes that everyone is entitled to these ‘basic necessities’ to modern day living and does its best to provide them where needed. Indeed, last year I believe Caravan provided 78 washing machines, 85 cookers, 69 fridges and 52 televisions to some of its beneficiaries throughout the UK.

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