Central England Co-operative donates winter survival kits for the homeless in Leicester

Posted by stephanie forrester | Published: 17/12/2018


Central England Co-op is donating dozens of winter survival kits to help homeless people in Leicester keep warm.

The retailer has linked up with charity Action Homeless to help those in need during the festive season by handing out packs made up of hats, scarves and gloves.

The accessories have been bought from Newlife the Charity for Disabled Children, which will also be supported through the donation.

Newlife CEO, Mrs Sheila Brown, OBE, said: “We’re extremely proud of our ongoing relationship with Central England Co-op and commend them once again for their community spirit.  Not only are they providing vital warmth and comfort to those who need it over the festive period they’re also helping to change the lives of disabled children.”

James Riviere, from Action Homeless in Leicester, said: “We are very grateful for this donation from Central England Co-op. Winter is a difficult time of year for many and these essential items will make a difference to people in need across the city.”

In total, the retailer is donating 200 packs to good causes across its trading estate, so they can be given to people who find themselves without shelter over Christmas.

The Society has been campaigning to encourage its customers and members to donate to local food banks in the run up to Christmas and to actively do good deeds for those in need at this time of year.

The packs of hats, gloves and scarves will also be given out in Birmingham, Derby, Burton and Swadlincote through charities who regularly work with those in need including Street Safe, YMCA, Harvey Girls and Bank House.

Hannah Gallimore, Corporate Responsibility Manager at Central England Co-op, said: “These items will make a massive difference to people in need during the winter months and our role in facilitating the relationship between Newlife and other charities benefits all those involved.”

Notes to editors

Picture caption:  Central England Co-op colleagues have linked up with charities to help homeless people this winter.

 

About Central England Co-operative

Central England Co-operative is one of the largest independent retail co-operative societies in the UK. 

It is a modern, forward-looking organisation employing over 8,000 staff, with the Society’s principal areas of activity being food, funeral services, and property investment.

Central England Co-operative has over 400 trading outlets across 16 counties including; West Midlands, Warwickshire, Worcestershire, Staffordshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Rutland, Nottinghamshire, Northamptonshire, Lincolnshire, West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, Suffolk, Norfolk, Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire.  The Society has an ambitious food store development programme for 2018.

Central England Co-operative is proud of its reputation for ethical business practices and corporate responsibility.  It is a member of Business in the Community, the membership organisation that stands for responsible business, and has also won many business awards for excellence.  The Society supports a number of charities including Dementia UK and invests a percentage of its trading profit into local communities.

Becoming a member of Central England Co-operative offers a whole host of benefits ranging from collecting points every time you spend in store to earn a share of the profits, access to members activities and community initiatives including the Community Dividend Fund, which hands out grants of up to £5,000 to charities and good causes across the Society’s trading estate.

Find out how to become a Central England Co-operative member by calling 0800 0501 601, emailing members@centralengland.coop or visiting https://www.members.coop

For more information visit www.centralengland.coop, follow Central England Co-operative on Twitter: @mycoopfood, and on Facebook: facebook.com/centralenglandcooperative

Rob Smyth at Central England Co-operative on 01543 414140

Email –publicrelations@centralengland.coop