A Wigan shop has been giving away free water to schoolchildren duing the heatwave
Free bottled water has been distributed by a Wigan shopkeeper to pupils sweltering during the recent heatwave.
As temperatures soared last week, Nisa Local Smithy Green, stepped up to help local families by giving away free bottles of water to pupils on their way to school.
Between 8am and 9am, children heading to class were invited to pop into the store and collect a free 500ml bottle of water to help them stay hydrated during the extreme heat.
The initiative, organised by store owner Gaz, was met with an incredible response from the local community.
Hundreds of children collected water, and social media posts about the giveaway were widely shared, receiving hundreds of positive comments and messages of support.
“We simply wanted to do our bit to help keep local children safe and hydrated during the hot weather,” said Gaz.
“Seeing so many smiling faces in the morning made it all worthwhile. The response from the community has been absolutely overwhelming.”
Children from several local schools benefited from the initiative, including St John Fisher RC High School, The Dean Trust Rose Bridge, Ince CE Primary and Nursery School, Ince St William’s RC Primary School, and St Catherine’s CE Primary, Scholes.
The generosity didn’t stop there either. Following the giveaway, customers visited the store wanting to donate money towards the initiative.
Although the water was completely free, all donations received will now be donated to Making a Difference Locally, the Nisa charity that supports local causes and community projects.
Gaz added: “We’re incredibly grateful for all the support – from everyone who shared our posts, donated, sent messages or simply said thank you. It shows what a fantastic community we have here in Wigan.”
The success of the free water giveaway has inspired the team to plan further initiatives aimed at supporting local school children and the wider community.
For the team at Nisa Local Smithy Green, this was more than just handing out bottles of water – it was another example of neighbours helping neighbours and a community coming together when it mattered most.