Charities receive £2,500 from That’s Entertainment plastic bag pledge

Dave Djordjevic
Dave Djordjevic

Two charities have each received windfalls of more than £2,500 after retailer That’s Entertainment chose them to receive its proceeds from the new 5p charge for plastic bags.

The Stockport-based store chain has donated £2,593.65 to Trafford Park’s Challenge 4 Change and the Teenage Cancer Trust.

Since October, shoppers have been charged 5p for every plastic bag they buy from retailers in England with 250 or more full-time employees.

Retailers can choose what to do with the proceeds, but are expected to give the money to charity.

That’s Entertainment operates 26 stores selling new and used CDs, DVDs and computer games.

It is part of the Entertainment Magpie group, which is based in Hazel Grove and is best-known for its recommerce website.

Steve Oliver, chief executive of Entertainment Magpie, said: “We are thrilled to have raised such a significant amount in a short period of time and hope the money will make a real difference to both charities.

“We look forward to contributing to these two extremely worthwhile causes as we continue the initiative into 2017.”

Challenge 4 Change runs a 19,000 sq ft indoor activity centre which includes an arena with aerial and ground-level assault courses, a climbing wall and a mock jail.

The facility is used by schools, colleges, housing associations, businesses, sports clubs, charities and community organisations.

The charity aims to help people build their confidence, improve their problem-solving and communication skills and encourage team-working.

It will use the plastic bag windfall to subsidise sessions for disadvantaged people from across Greater Manchester.

Chief executive Dave Djordjevic said: “Small charities rely on support from a number of sources and we are extremely grateful to That’s Entertainment for this wonderful gesture.

“The money will make a real difference to Challenge 4 Change and those who benefit from our facility.”