Across the UK, the Co-op are helping many local charities in communities where there stores are based. In fact, the very ethos of the Co-op is one of shared responsibility and as an organisation, the Co-op make community fundraising a priority through their charitable foundation.
One such sunny day in September Age Concern Merstham Redhill and Reigate were the beneficiary of £189.20 from the sale of ice-cream and sweetie pop sales at the Merstham branch. The store wanted to sell off excess stock at the end of the summer period and more people were prepared to buy ice-creams and sweetie pops as they would be supporting a local charity in the community in which they live.
"It's a win-win" says Sandy, the business manager at Age Concern. "working with business locally works for both the company and the cause; people feel good about helping causes locally. This year, the charity will benefit also from the Co-op's Local Community Fund through a percentage of sales of their own brand goods and 5p shopping bags".
She went on to say "Many Merstham families supporting this promotion have been here for generations and it's their parents and grandparents who are benefiting from the services of Age Concern. We thank the Co-op in Merstham and the community for such a successful fundraiser and we are very much looking forward to working with them again."