Castle Douglas’ new Aldi store opened by Paralympic gold medallist

Castle Douglas saw the grand opening of a new Aldi store, with the ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Paralympic gold medallist, Jack Smith. The event, which took place on Thursday, saw Jack, who was part of Team GB’s wheelchair rugby team at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, joined by enthusiastic pupils from Castle Douglas Primary School to mark the special occasion.

To kick off the opening, Jack and the pupils together cut the red ribbon, symbolising the official launch of the supermarket. As a gesture of goodwill, Jack handed out bags of fresh fruits and vegetables from Aldi’s Super 6 range to the first 30 customers. Additionally, there was an assembly held for the children as part of Aldi’s Get Set to Eat Fresh scheme, aimed at educating school children about the advantages of cooking and consuming fresh, healthy foods.

During the event, Jack spoke about the significance of maintaining a healthy diet, the value of physical activity, self-belief, and shared his personal journey as a Paralympian. He expressed his delight at being part of the store opening and engaging with the community. He hoped to inspire the young pupils to stay active, explore different sports, and prioritize their well-being.

Furthermore, Aldi organised a competition for the pupils, challenging them to create posters illustrating what healthy eating meant to them, with the opportunity to win a £20 gift voucher. Store manager, Justin Wilson, expressed his satisfaction at the positive response from the community during the store’s opening. The store’s presence not only offers convenience to shoppers but also creates job opportunities, with the potential to benefit the local area.

Aldi’s commitment to supporting the community was evident through their partnership with ParalympicsGB, as they encouraged local charities and food banks to register with Neighbourly to collect surplus food and perishables. The store’s opening was a testament to collaboration, community engagement, and promoting a healthy lifestyle among the youth.

In conclusion, the opening of the new Aldi store in Castle Douglas by Paralympic gold medallist Jack Smith was a heartwarming event that highlighted the importance of healthy living, community involvement, and fostering positive relationships within the neighbourhood. With initiatives like the Get Set to Eat Fresh scheme and partnerships with local organisations, Aldi is not just a supermarket but a catalyst for promoting wellness and unity in the community.