Four years ago Central England began supporting Newlife, the charity for disabled children – and since then has raised £1.5m for the organisation.
Colleagues across 16 counties have taken part in bungee jumps and ultra-marathons, and held cake sales and fashion parties to raise vital funds for the charity, which specialises in support to aid children affected by all disabilities and terminal illness.
The partnership has been boosted by the fact that all the funds raised by the society have been able to be directly invested back into the community it has been donated from. So far 625 children have been helped through the partnership.
“We have enjoyed every moment of our long and extremely successful partnership with Newlife,” said Central England chief executive, Martyn Cheatle.
“I would like to praise the dedication of the society’s colleagues, members and customers because without their support we would never have been able to raise £1.5m for this great cause.
“As a community retailer and responsible business, it has been great to know that every penny raised as part of this charity campaign has gone to improve the lives of families in our trading area, leaving a lasting impact for many years to come.”
Newlife is the UK’s largest non-statutory provider of specialist equipment for children with disabilities and terminal illness, supporting families through a range of free services including a nurse-staffed helpline, equipment grants, emergency equipment loans, sensory and developmental toy ‘pod’ loans. In addition, the charity supports campaigns and research.
“The £1.5 million that Central England Co-operative colleagues and customers have raised for Newlife has funded everything from wheelchairs and walkers for mobility through specialist beds and buggies for safety to portable hoists and bespoke seating to reduce pain,” said Newlife chief executive, Sheila Brown.
“We are so grateful for all the wonderful – and sometimes weird and wacky – ways in which staff have chosen to fundraise for Newlife. It has been a real pleasure for us to play a small part in their enthusiasm and creativity. We thank you all.”
Central England is set to announce its corporate charity partner for 2017/2018 in August.
