London-based store manager Ganesamoorthy Nithiyakumar, aka Nithiy, has won the ‘Community Hero of the Year’ Award at this year’s Retail Week Awards, which are organised by Convenience Store’s sister title Retail Week.
The ‘Community Hero of the Year’ Award recognises individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to their local community through their work in the retail industry. Nithiy, who heads up the M&S Simply Food shop at BP Malden Rushett, in Kingston upon Thames, London, has been instrumental in caring for people in his local area, particularly his elderly and vulnerable customers who live close to the store.
He has implemented several initiatives to provide vital support to his community. When Nithiy’s store started a partnership with Deliveroo, he personally delivered essential items to elderly people who were unable to use the app. He is coordinating the installation of defibrillator on the forecourt, and organising for his staff and local people to be trained in its use. Nithiy has also organised litter-picking events several times a year, to keep the local countryside clean and tidy.
A number of his elderly customers have family who live across the country, so Nithiy acts as an emergency contact, and always makes time to chat to them when they come into his store. He provides a warm and friendly face to people who may otherwise be lonely.
Nithiy’s proudest achievement in the last year was potentially saving the life of one of his customers. When Pat, aged 92, didn’t appear to buy her morning newspaper, Nithiy knew something was wrong. He phoned Pat to ask if she was ok, but when she didn’t answer, he went round to her house to check on her. He found her fallen in her garden and immediately phoned an ambulance. Fortunately, Pat was able to make a full recovery.
Nithiy said: “I’m delighted to win this award. I’m inspired by my father, who I couldn’t care for in the final months of his life in Sri Lanka, and so I’ve made it my mission to look after vulnerable members of the local community around the Malden Rushett BP store. We know that our store is a lifeline for many elderly customers, so we do our best to make them feel welcome and cared-for.”
Jo Hayward, VP convenience at BP said: “We are thrilled that Nithiy has won the Community Hero of the Year Award, a well-deserved recognition of his dedication and hard work. Nithiy’s commitment and passion have positively impacted the lives of many, and inspired his colleagues and the wider community. We thank him for his ongoing dedication to our customers and upholding our company’s values so brilliantly.”
Charlotte Hardie, editor in chief at Retail Week, said: “The judges applauded Nithiy’s commitment to supporting the elderly and vulnerable members of the tight-knit community around his store, going above and beyond to ensure they are safe. It was clear to the judges that Nithiy has earned a special place in the community of Malden Rushett by treating everyone with dignity, respect and warmth. There was no doubt that his efforts deserve recognition as the Community Hero of the Year.”
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