The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira) has raised over £1,000 for the Rainy Day Trust (RDT) through its coronavirus membership deal.

During lockdown, Bira offered independent retailers the opportunity to sign up for a free three-month Coronavirus Membership Package. This was in return for a nominal donation of £1, £5 or £10 to the Rainy Day Trust. The deal was available until 30 June 2020 and gave new members temporary support through the pandemic.

The offer, taken up by 266 indie retailers, raised a total of £1,073 for the charity; the only one of its kind to raise funds to support the home improvement workforce and their families in times of need.

Commenting is Bryan Clover, CEO of the RDT. “The Rainy Day Trust is incredibly grateful for the amazing £1,093 raised from Bira members through the three-month free membership scheme.

“The travel restrictions may be eased but thousands of people still need our help. A quick look at the news shows that furloughed staff are starting to become redundant staff. We can also help Bira members look after their staff through the transition back to normality; whatever that looks like.

“The Trust has a range of help that members can call upon and we are tapped into the entire charity sector and have the specialist knowledge to hunt down the help that people need. If we can help you, give us a call.”

Andrew Goodacre, Bira’s CEO, adds; “We are delighted by the response from the members regarding the support for the Rainy Day Trust. Even when times are so difficult, independent retailers have found a way of supporting a very worthy cause. I would like to personally thank everyone for their contributions.”

Click here for further information on Bira’s partnership with the Rainy Day Trust.