York Campus Stores Raise £17K for Local Charities

Your morning coffee run and late-night snack purchases at University of York are quietly transforming lives across the city.

The campus retail stores at Market Square and Nisa Kimberlow have donated more than £17,000 to local charities, all funded by students and staff simply doing their regular shopping. No extra cost, no special effort required.

The magic happens through the Making a Difference Locally scheme run by Nisa. Every time someone picks up Co-op own-brand products or Nisa Heritage items, a small contribution automatically goes to local organizations.

In just the past four months alone, the stores raised over £2,000 for four charities. The Hygiene Bank received funds to help families access basic toiletries and cleaning supplies. MySight York got support to run activities for people with vision loss.

IDAS, which helps survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence, also benefited from the donations. Treasure Chest, supporting children and families across York, received funding too.

The Ripple Effect

What makes this story remarkable is how effortless generosity has become. Students grabbing a sandwich between lectures or picking up milk for their flat are simultaneously supporting their neighbors without thinking about it.

The scheme has already helped numerous schools and community groups throughout York. Each purchase creates a tiny ripple that combines with thousands of others to create real change.

The campus stores are actively seeking more local organizations to support. Store manager Joe Evans welcomes suggestions from anyone who knows a charity or community group that could use the funding.

Students and staff have proven that making a difference doesn't require grand gestures or life-altering sacrifices. Sometimes it just takes showing up for your daily routine while a clever system channels your everyday actions into collective good.