Local causes pushed to partner up with their local co-operative

Co-operative colleagues are on the hunt for local causes who want to fundraise with nearby stores in 2021.

Southern Co-op's local food stores currently have 169 charity partners which range from scout groups and pre-schools to food banks and healthcare trusts.

With a lot of fundraising cancelled last year, these existing local partnerships will continue into 2021 but there are 33 stores which are still looking for a nearby cause to support.

The Co-operative Food stores appealing for a new partner are spread across Berkshire, Dorset, Devon, Hampshire, London, Somerset, Surrey, Sussex, and Wiltshire.

Holly Bramble​, Community and Campaign Co-ordinator at Southern Co-op, said: "We all know how devastating 2020 has been for charities and local causes as the majority of fundraising activities had to be cancelled or put on hold.

"In our stores, we made sure people could still make donations at the tills into the charity collection pots and our colleagues also held a number of smaller scale fundraisers such as ‘guess the number of sweets in the jar' or colouring competitions.

"We are currently tallying up all the money raised and are also hopeful that more fundraising can go ahead later on this year to lift everyone's spirits and give a boost to local organisations who do so much for our local communities."

Every year, each convenience store part of Southern Co-op, partners with a special local cause chosen by colleagues.

This is part of its ‘Love Your Neighbourhood' programme which aims to create greener, safer, healthier or more inclusive neighbourhoods.

In Devon, Cranbrook's Younghayes Road store is looking for a new charity partner in 2021.

Local causes wishing to apply, should visit www.neighbourly.com/FoodPartnerships2021. The deadline for applications is Sunday 14 February.

To find out more about Southern Co-op's ‘Love Your Neighbourhood' programme, visit www.thesouthernco-operative.co.uk/love-your-neighbourhood/.