A Hamilton woman has been commended for her outstanding community efforts through work at the Co-op.
Maria Smith has gone above and beyond in looking after residents in her Community Lead role during the pandemic, as well as driving charity fundraisers for local causes.
The Co-op store in Mill Road raised over £8000 in 2020, which Maria was instrumental in.
The Co-op’s chosen charity last year was the Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH) and the Hamilton store raised £3180. Maria arranged raffles, sponsored walks and cycles to drive funds.
During the Christmas week, the store teamed up with the Eddlewood Community Group with £250 worth of hampers as well as 500 selection boxes which were delivered to local children.
The shop is also helping Chatelherault Primary School’s parent teacher association with a fundraiser to provide a sensory room for children with autism, which is still ongoing.
Maria was honoured to receive her award. She said: “When I received the recognition award I was overwhelmed and delighted.
“I feel proud of what we do as a team for our local community in Hamilton and was surprised to be recognised for it to be honest, as it’s just what we do in the Co-op.”
Store manager Anne Marie McKenzie added: “As a store we do a lot of community work and Maria has took on the role as Community Lead, so she organises a lot of the work in the store.
“It’s great to see her get the recognition she deserves for everything she has done. She’s went over and above within her role to support the local community.
“She’s been instrumental in everything we’ve done.
“Maria is loved by all the customers, she’s really good and very personable with our customers.
“I’m very proud to have somebody like Maria working with us in the store.
“We’re there to serve the community, and especially with the pandemic we’re there for them and helping them.”
New causes for 2021 are the Rocca Foundation as well as another mental health charity.
