Nisa Local Smithy Green in Wigan, run by brothers Hepesh and Mitesh Halai, has donated over £20,000 to local causes through Nisa’s Making a Difference Locally (MADL) charity.

The family bought the convenience business in 2008 and became part of the Nisa family in 2011.

Committed to continuing their father’s legacy following his sad passing in 2022 due to COVID, Hepesh and Mitesh have made community support a cornerstone of their business.

The brothers have supported 24 different causes including donations to Ince Christ church Food Pantry, Empire Morris Dancers, The Brick, Talk First Family Mediation and Wigan St Patrick Rugby club.

Their efforts extend beyond financial contributions with Hepesh and Mitesh actively participating in the causes they support.

Speaking about a recent donation, Hepesh said: “We donated £1,000 to Homeless Aid UK and recently had the privilege of volunteering at the Wigan soup kitchen. Witnessing the dedication of the volunteers was truly inspiring. Our donation helped support their efforts, and we feel a strong connection to the cause.”

Mitesh, co-owner of the store, added: “My father bought the store in May 2008, and he worked hard to run it as a family business by working a lot of hours every day.

“During COVID we had to work even harder, staff taking time off during lockdown, suppliers putting their prices up, but we tried to keep the price down as much as possible.

“We became really involved with Making a Difference Locally initiative in Spring 2022 when we supported Arts in the Mill CIC and since then our charitable community support has gone from strength to strength.

“We are where we are today thanks to the support from our customers who have stayed loyal to us over 16 years so giving back to our community is our pride.”

Their commitment has been recognised by MADL’s marketing manager, Helen Walker.

“Hepesh and Mitesh actively seek out those in need and wholeheartedly endorse the causes they support,” Helen said. “They are shining examples of what brilliant retailer community support looks like.”

The brothers participate in various initiatives through Making a Difference Locally, including Club 15, Stronger Together, A Moment in Time, and the Heart of the Community Awards.