Melksham department store, Leekes, was presented with a volunteering award by the NSPCC last month for raising over £150,000 for the charity.
The family-run retailer, which has a store on Beanacre Road, was awarded ‘Regional Corporate Partner Volunteer of the Year’ at the inaugural Childhood Champion Awards held by the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC).
Matthew and Kirsty Leeke proudly received the accolade on behalf of the Leeke family, from royal patron of ChildLine and NSPCC president, Sophie, Countess of Wessex.
Emma Leeke, managing director at the company said, “It’s a privilege to have been recognised at the first Childhood Champions Awards. Leekes Retail & Leisure is committed to supporting the NSPCC and since it became the company’s nominated charity, we have raised over £150k towards maintaining service provision for children by completing a variety of challenges and fundraising activities.”
All the nominees were recommended by fellow NSPCC volunteers and staff across the country in categories including schools volunteer of the year, frontline volunteer of the year and ChildLine volunteer of the year. The winners were then selected by a judging panel that included Dame Esther Rantzen, NSPCC CEO Peter Wanless and Derren Heyes, editor of Children and Young People Now.
Emma Brennan, NSPCC community fundraising manager said, “The Leeke family are incredibly committed and always identify opportunities to benefit the NSPCC and children. They are incredible at getting people involved and their enthusiasm and energy is inspiring.
“The majority of family members as well as friends are all active and support the NSPCC by taking on challenge events. In the last twelve months alone they have taken part in The London Marathon, The Great North Run, The Snowdon Moonlight Challenge and endless fundraising activities at their home department stores.”
