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# East of England Co-op launches summer charity fundraising round
- URL: https://www.ipswich.co.uk/east-of-england-co-op-launches-summer-charity-fundraising-round/
- Published: 2025-06-03T12:08:26.000Z
- Updated: 2026-03-16T15:11:03.000Z
- Description: Suffolk's 74 East of England Co-op stores will raise money for local charities this summer, with each branch choosing an organisation important to their community.
- Author: Oliver Rouane-Williams
- Tags: News, Business, Grants, Donations & Fundraising, Third Sector, #article, East of England Co-op, #Import 2026-03-16 14:45

**Why it matters:** The retailer's Local Giving programme puts money directly into grassroots organisations that colleagues see making a real difference in their areas, from dementia support to childcare.

![Colleagues at East of England Co-op Leiston](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/1e/291e4b7f-e551-4458-b546-61963954b22f/content/images/2026/03/1748951814-colleagues-at-east-of-england-co-op-leiston-who-raised-over-1-000-for-their-local-girl-guides-last-winter-2.jpg)

Colleagues at East of England Co-op Leiston, who raised over £1,000 for their local Girl Guides last winter (East of England Co-op)

**The details:** Each store, forecourt, funeral service and travel branch across Suffolk has selected a local charity to support through three months of fundraising activities.

All money raised goes directly to the chosen charity, plus a £150 donation from East of England Co-op.

**Personal connections are driving the choices:**

- Colleagues at the Gainsborough store in Ipswich chose Memory Lane Cafe after seeing family and community members affected by dementia. The charity provides a weekly meeting place for carers and those living with dementia.
- In Woolpit, staff recognised the importance of Woolpit ARC, a registered charity running a pre-school and breakfast, after-school and holiday club for local children.

Angela Carpenter, Community Support Lead for East of England Co-op, said: "Our colleagues are at the heart of our communities, and they have a unique perspective on what's important to people in their local areas. Local Giving is all about raising funds for local organisations that are making a difference to people's lives and raising awareness of the work they do so that our community can benefit from them."

**By the numbers:** Since launching a year ago, the Local Giving programme has donated over £120,000 to local charities across East Anglia through summer and winter fundraising rounds.

**What's next:** Customers can donate through collection pots and at tills in their local store. Branches will also run fundraising activities, including fancy dress events and second-hand book sales.

**The bottom line:** East of England Co-op's summer charity drive connects local knowledge with community need, ensuring fundraising efforts support organisations that matter most to Suffolk residents.

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