A.F. Blakemore is running a charity campaign in April in memory of much-loved SPAR retailer Raj Aggarwal.

The company will be calling on convenience retailers across the UK to join its #SPARdoasRAJwoulddo campaign by donating to those most in need in their local communities.

Raj Aggarwal, who owned SPAR stores in Wigston, Leicester, and Hackenthorpe, near Sheffield, sadly passed away from Covid-19 in April 2020 at the age of just 51.
 

A bit about Raj

Raj Aggarwal was a SPAR independent retailer described quite simply as “a man with a heart of gold”. 

At the heart of his community near Leicester, he had a sense of value, a sense of belonging and a sense of being something bigger than himself. He was renowned for continually putting the needs of others first.

Raj’s sense of charity and wanting to do the right thing was best demonstrated by his large charitable donations to the Glenfield Hospital in March 2020. He was actively and practically supporting the local NHS team at the beginning of the pandemic, when they needed it most.

The SPAR community were devastated to hear of Raj’s death in April 2020 from coronavirus and wanted to do something, alongside his wife, Sunita, to recognise and remember this pioneer of our industry.

Hence #SPARdoasRAJwoulddo was born! 
 

Get involved

From 19th to 26th April 2021 we’re encouraging retailers across the UK to ‘do as Raj would do’ by donating goods, supplies and products to the charities, organisations or individuals who are most in need within their communities.

Think bigger than you’ve ever thought before, and let’s show our neighbourhoods that as convenience retailers we truly make a difference to those we serve.
 

Anyone who wants to give a monetary donation in memory of Raj can also visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/SomeoneSpecial/RajAggarwal1. 
 

Get more

If you are a Meridian & Welsh Guild SPAR retailer, the Blakemore Foundation will match any funding up to £200 for your chosen charity. Simply complete the application form on our website: www.afblakemore.com/our-community/independent-retailer-application. 

You can use this funding to donate more product or support your chosen charities/individuals in other ways. 
 

Do as Raj would do!

Help keep the memory of an incredible colleague alive at an incredibly challenging time by supporting this campaign, supporting your community and making a difference to those who really need it.

Good luck, have fun and be proud of what you achieve.