SHOPPERS and colleagues at the Midcounties Co-operative food stores donated more than 90 children’s toys and gifts to a women’s refuge in the county over Christmas.

The refuge, which is part of A2Dominion’s Domestic Abuse Services, supports women experiencing the effects of domestic abuse.

Gifts included nail varnish and handbags, as well as soft toys and puzzles for mothers with young children.

Ingredients for a full Christmas dinner were also provided by the stores as well as mince pies and frozen food. A total of £140 worth of food was donated.

It comes as part of the Society’s Regional Communities strategy which sees members and colleagues come together to provide impactful and sustainable support for local community groups through volunteering and fundraising events.

Kerry Alderson, from A2Dominion Domestic Abuse Services, said: “We work with many people who have suffered from domestic abuse, helping them to move forward with their lives.

“We were completely overwhelmed by the generous donations, which helped us to create a memorable Christmas for our families.”

A2Dominion is a residential property group with over 37,000 homes across London and southern England.

Simon Hartland, the regional communities ambassador for Thame and High Wycombe at The Midcounties Co-operative, said: “The refuge does fantastic work in the local community, helping some of the most vulnerable people to get the help they need to turn their lives around.

“We did not hesitate to lend our support to their efforts this Christmas and are pleased we managed to make a real difference with the help of our customers.

“We look forward to continuing our work with them and other groups in the area throughout 2019.”