Why it matters: The retailer's Local Giving initiative allows colleagues to choose charities that are important to their local communities, with all funds raised going directly to the chosen causes alongside a £150 donation from the Co-op.
The details: Twice a year, colleagues across almost 200 East of England Co-op stores and branches in East Anglia choose local charities to support through awareness raising and fundraising activities. The current winter campaign runs from 1 November to 31 January.
Stores will have collection pots and the option to donate at the till, and will also be taking part in a range of fundraising activities such as fancy dress, tombolas and second-hand book sales.
By the numbers: Since the retailer's Local Giving initiative was launched in summer 2024, over £180,000 has been donated to charities across the region.
In Ipswich: Several stores across Ipswich are supporting local causes this winter:
Garrick Way is raising funds for Castle Hill Community Centre, which runs a community pantry helping local families
Springfield is supporting Ipswich Housing Action Group
Colchester Road is backing 6th Ipswich (St John's Scouts)
Chantry is raising money for ActivLives
Pinewood is supporting Achilles Youth FC
Vernon Street and Ipswich Station are both fundraising for Suffolk Mind
Dales Road is supporting Animal Welfare Suffolk
Foxhall Road and Woodbridge Road are raising funds for St Elizabeth Hospice
Kesgrave Funeral Services is backing ActivLives
Belstead Hills is supporting Hadleigh Amateur Dramatic Society
Rands Way is raising funds for Lighthouse Women's Aid
What they're saying: Angela Carpenter, community support lead for the East of England Co-op, said: "Local Giving is one of our co-op's four community support programmes. Our colleagues know their communities and are able to choose causes that truly matter to the people they serve every day. Their passion and dedication to making a real difference is a huge part of what makes our co-op so special."
Karl Williamson, branch manager at Garrick Way East of England Co-op, said: "Our local community centre is a place for everyone. It runs a community pantry which helps so many local families and we want to help them this winter. Please pop in and see us if you want to donate or find out more."
What's next: Customers can pop into their local East of England Co-op food store, forecourt, travel branch or funeral services branch to see which local charity they will be supporting this winter. They can also check online at www.eastofengland.coop.
The bottom line: With collection points at the till and a variety of fundraising events planned, supporting your local charity has never been easier – and every penny raised goes directly to causes that matter to your community.
