The industry came together last week for the 4th annual Raj Aggarwal Golf & Family Day, a calendar favourite honouring the enduring legacy of Raj Aggarwal.
Held at the Forest of Arden Golf and Hotel Resort in Birmingham, the day brought together retailers, suppliers and supporters for a vibrant celebration in memory of Raj, a respected retailer who sadly passed away from Covid-19 in 2020.
This year’s event raised an incredible £24,500 for the Boparan Charitable Trust, supporting their work in changing the lives of children with disabilities, life-limiting conditions or living in extreme poverty.
”It was an amazing day. It’s just so lovely to see everyone coming together and celebrating Raj’s life. The weather was amazing and everyone enjoyed themselves which is what it’s all about,” Raj’s wife Sunita Aggarwal told Convenience Store.
Golfers were treated to perfect weather and a stunning course, while non-golfers enjoyed their own lineup of activities, including axe throwing, cider tasting and cocktail-making tournaments.
As the sun set, attendees gathered to reflect on Raj’s life and the inspiration behind the #doasrajwoulddo campaign - a movement encouraging kindness, action, and compassion in both business and life.
Emotional tributes, memories and testimonials were shared, including one from Jesse, a young beneficiary who received a new electric wheelchair from the money raised at last year’s event.
“They just inspire you to just carry on. When you see the benefits of what you do, it just gives you the encouragement to move forward and progress even more,” said Sunita.
Recently, Sunita had the privilege of donating an electric wheelchair to a local 15-year-old girl. “This will enable her to be more independent, allowing her to go places without her parents needing to push her around everywhere. The work we’ve done with the raised funds really touches everyone’s hearts,” she said.
The day of fun-filled activities was followed by a three-course dinner, awards and high-spirited entertainment.
“We wouldn’t miss the Raj Aggarwal Golf and Family Day. It’s such an inspiring event in memory of a retailer who touched so many lives,” Tenby-based retailer Fiona Malone told Convenience Store.
Sunita and her family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to every organisation, company, and individual whose sponsorship, donations and presence made this event “not only possible, but truly unforgettable”.
“A special thank you goes to Julian Taylor-Green, Terry Caton, Sarah Johnson (ACS), Michael Spencer and Kevin for their seamless coordination and organisation of the event,” said Sunita.
Additional praises were given to the Association of Convenience Stores, along with headline sponsors AF Blakemore and One Stop, whose support played a “crucial role in bringing the day to life”.
The event also recieved contributons from a suite of sponsors and supporters including Mondelez, Molson Coors, Coca-Cola, Suntory, Nestles, Hells Energy, Concha Y Toro, AG Barr, Safetell, Cook Food, Swizzells Aqua Vape, Motor Fuel Limited, Bookers, KP Snacks, Redbull, Double Cool Uk, Anthony James Insurance, CBE Software, Just Eat, Albany Insurance, Kelsius, In Bev, Phoenix Retail, Henderson Technology Ltd, Too Good To Go, VAS Group, Gill Marsh, Forecourts Ltd, Southern Co-op and Heineken.
Retailers shared pics from the special day
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