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Some people will do almost anything in order to raise funds for charity .. but perhaps the staff of Sainsbury’s really do take first prize with their fundraising plans.

Says Richard Wilcox, Store Manager at Sainsbury’s Ashbourne store and Community Liaison Lead for the East Midlands, “Sainsbury’s in the East Midlands have committed to supporting Rainbows as our regional Charity.  We are looking to raise £30,000 and with 19 stores all taking part, there’s going to be a lot of different activities taking place!”

The stores taking part are Arnold, Ashbourne, Beeston, Belgrave Road, Burton on Trent, Castle Boulevard, Chaddesden, Derby, Fosse Park, Glen Road, Grantham, Kimberley, Kingsway, Leicester, Loughborough, Osmaston Park, Sleaford, Swadlincote and Wigston in what is currently the biggest activity planned to date.

“We have called it ‘The Big Jump’ and it will take place over the August Bank Holiday at Langar, Nottinghamshire.  We have 75 staff who have all committed to doing a tandem skydive and they are busy promoting ‘The Big Jump’ in each of their stores, plus we have a Just Giving website that’s live too.”

For those Sainsbury’s staff members who are not so fond of heights a multitude of other fundraising activities will be taking place including car washes, an online auction which has already had over 20 prizes donated from companies including Coca Cola.  Other lots include football hospitality tickets, Nintendo Wii’s, Coldplay concert tickets, driving experiences and many, many more.

Adds Richard, “Our Stores are at the heart of the communities they serve.  For us it is not only about providing great service and quality products, it is also about making a positive difference to our communities and being a good neighbor.  We really hope that we hit our target of £30,000 – that would be a brilliant birthday present to help Rainbows celebrate their 15th birthday this September.”

If you would like to make a donation to ‘The Big Jump’ please go to http://www.justgiving.co.uk/sainsburysthebigjump.  To bid on one of the many exciting lots available at the online auction please visit www.siansburysthebigjump.co.uk.