Local causes in Southern Co-operative’s trading area benefited from £105,000 in 2019.
The society enables colleagues from each of its convenience stores to choose a local cause to support. Over the course of the year 130 local causes were chosen , ranging from primary schools to food banks, hospitals and scout groups.
Colleagues hosted fundraising events in stores as well as family fun days, bake-offs and sports challenges.
Jessica Hughes, community investment manager at Southern, said: “Each of our stores has a budget which they can donate to special projects but this total is separate. Every penny has been raised by colleagues and customers who want to help the store’s current charity partner.
“A lot of the causes are really small and may simply need help letting people know what they do. Then others have been running for years supporting hundreds of residents in their time of need.
“We are so proud of our colleagues who work tirelessly to give back to these causes. Thank you.”
The society is now inviting applications for its 2020-2021 charity partners under its Love Your Neighbourhood Programme, which aims to create greener, safer, healthier or more inclusive neighbourhoods.
Amanda Gallagher, corporate partnerships fundraiser for Children’s Hospice South West, said: “The support we’ve had from Southern Co-op in 2019 was phenomenal. From sponsoring our Rainbow Run to the teams getting involved and volunteering at our shops, I really can’t thank them enough for their enthusiasm and determination to make a difference.
“Their fundraising helps support our three hospices across the south west and will help to make sure that we can continue to be here whenever families need us.”
Local causes can request application forms by visiting one of Southern Co-op’s 136 stores.
