GENEROUS islanders have raised more than £4,500 for the Alzheimer’s Society.

Shoppers and store workers at Sainsbury’s, in the Knightswick Centre, on Canvey have raised an impressive £4,573 to support the charity.

About £3,000 of the money was raised in store by colleagues and customers, this included a host of sweepstakes, cake bakes, bingo nights, pool competitions, and sponsored diets.

Customers also contributed through bucket collections in the year-long fundraiser, which was marked with a cheque presentation in store on Thursday.

The balance was made up of money collected by the store following the 5p carrier bag levy.

Sainsbury’s will now be holding a vote for new charities the store can support.

Mussara Jabeen, Community Fundraiser from the Alzheimer’s Society, said: “We’re very touched by the generosity of Sainsbury’s Canvey Island colleagues and customers. The money they’ve raised really will make a difference to us.”

Dave Thomas, the store’s manager, said: “It’s been fantastic to see the way everyone’s pulled together since we started working with Alzheimer’s Society.

“We’ve enjoyed coming up with ways to support and volunteer for this very worthy cause and it’s great to think that we’re making a positive difference to so many people.

“We would especially like to thank our main contact at Alzheimer’s, Val Mathewson, who has made a real impact in our store with colleagues and customers alike.”