A true hero of Newton Abbot is bringing down the curtain on nearly three decades of support for life-enhancing community projects.
Hard-working Janette Parker has been at the Tesco Superstore for 27 and a half years, helping community groups, schools, councils, and the hundreds of volunteers who work tirelessly for these organisations.
In her role as community champion at the store, she has donated a wide range of much-needed items, arranged assistance where possible, and handed out tens of thousands of pounds courtesy of the Stronger Starts scheme.
During her time at the store, her efforts have literally helped thousands of people of all ages and in all sorts of situations.
But now Janette has decided to retire, and she’s handing over the reins to Bev Perrins, who has worked at Tesco for 18 years.
Janette said: “It has been of the biggest honour to work with the most amazing people and good causes across our community, but it’s hard to leave my colleagues who I’ve worked with for so many years and the charities I’ve worked with.
“I think that of all the good causes I’ve assisted, the foodbanks stand out for me. They’re all volunteers and they work so hard to help people who are struggling.
“I would also like to say a big thank–you to our customers,who have been the most generous. They’ve always supported our charitable collections at the front of store and donated much–needed food to our collections for the food banks. You truly make a difference.
“In the world we live in it’s easy to get negative, but in this job I’ve seen so much good in the way people really want to help each other and improve others’ lives. It’s really humbling and uplifting.
“I am looking forward to my retirement, but I’ll still be busy in my own community. So once again, thank you to everyone who’s supported me over the years. I now leave you in the good hands of my successor, Bev Perrins.”
Before Janette left her role, her colleagues presented her with lots of gifts, took her out for a meal, and the charity Asperations also gave her a send-off.
Bev said: “We are all sad to see Janette go. She’s been a massive presence in the store and in the community, and I’ve got very big shoes to fill. She’s supported me over the years, so I’ll miss her a lot.
“But I’m looking forward to taking on the role of community champion. Janette has been showing me the ropes in recent weeks, and my husband and I already do a lot of work in the community, so I’m really looking forward to helping even more people.”
The funding that Janette has handed out to Newton Abbot good causes comes from Tesco’s Stronger Starts scheme, in partnership with the charity Groundwork, which supports many local community projects and good causes, giving away thousands of pounds.
Shoppers at the Newton Abbot Superstore can support local schools and children’s groups by dropping the Tesco blue token they receive at checkout into the relevant voting box as they leave the store.
To find out more about Stronger Starts, go to https://tescostrongerstarts.org.uk
You can join us on our social media pages, follow us on Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter) and Threads where you can keep up to date with whats going on in South Devon.
Got a news story, blog or press release that you’d like to share or want to advertise with us? Get in touch via email admin@wearesouthdevon.com
