WORKERS at a renowned grocery store in Halstead are taking part in a series of fundraising events and community activities in celebration of an impressive milestone.

Sainsbury’s supermarket, situated on the town’s high street, is commemorating its 150th birthday by encouraging employees to partake in 150 days of community volunteering.

During the five-month initiative, the store will be supporting three local groups and causes through several charity events and voluntary work.

Staff will be aiding The Richard de Clare school by fundraising for an emotional cabin, the Halstead Explorer Scouts by continuously walking up and down the high street to raise awareness, and the Halstead River Care team, which will see staff give up their free time to work to clear the Causeway.

All the causes were chosen because they reflect the values held by both the business and the Halstead community that the go-to shop is a part of.

Store manager Hayley Smith said: “We’re really excited to be helping local causes so close to our hearts – it’s a great way for our colleagues to come together and support the community.

“It’s so important for us to give back to our local community and what better time than in our 150th year.”

As well as the Halstead branch, thousands of the national company’s 185,000 employees will also take part in the campaign by supporting a variety of diverse groups such as elderly care homes and bunny sanctuaries.

A Sainsbury’s spokesman said: “In this landmark year, we want to give back to the communities we have been a part of for a century and half and bring them into the celebrations.

“The diversity of causes that our colleagues care about just goes to show the values that run through our business – and we’re looking forward to seeing the impact these 150 days has on the people we care about.”

The activities set to be rolled-out by the Halstead Sainsbury’s are still in planning, but start dates are expected to be released soon.