Ashley’s Nisa Local store stages festive fancy dress fundraiser for village’s new youth building

FESTIVE fun and frolics at an Ashley convenience store helped raise £550 for a future youth facility in the village.

Staff at Nisa Local on Ashley Road donned Christmas outfits and pyjamas for a week as they served customers who donated as they paid for their shopping.

There were also children’s activities, including a lucky dip and a ‘guess how many sweets are in the jar’ competition, as well as a raffle for a season hamper.

A total of £300, along with a £250 sum from Nisa’s Make a Difference Locally campaign, was handed over to help furnish the Ashley Youth Club building.

As reported in the A&T, the development off Normans Lane will host activities for youngsters as well as provide storage for New Milton Rugby Club.

Nisa store manager Lucy Smith said: “It went really, really well. The staff had loads of fun getting involved, dressing up.

“The customers were very supportive and generous with their donations.”

New Milton Town Council youth services coordinator Louise Beardmore added: “To see the community working together is heart-warming.

“The team at Nisa have worked so hard to raise funds and support local young people.”

Due to be completed by February 2024, the building will also be used by health services, sports clubs, a family hub, community groups and local schools.