Central England Co-operative throws open its doors to dozens of community groups and local good causes to celebrate Co-op Fortnight
Posted by james brindle | Published: 17/06/2019
Central England Co-operative is celebrating Co-op Fortnight by throwing open the doors of its food stores to its local communities in the true spirit of ‘co-operation’.
The Society is backing the two-week annual event, which runs from 24 June to 7 July, by giving dozens of its own member groups, community groups, local projects and good causes the opportunity to come into its food stores to promote, raise awareness or gather support for their local causes.
From floristry and photography displays to food collections and even a local amateur dramatic group in full costume, the retailer’s stores will be a hive of activity during the annual awareness campaign, which looks to help people become more familiar with co-operatives in their local area.
The retailer will also be marking Co-op Fortnight by launching a food bank ‘shopping list’ across its 244 food stores, encouraging shoppers to pick one up before they start their shop and donate a few of the key items requested by the Society’s food bank partners.
These include cereal, tinned food, rice, toiletries and drinks such as tea, coffee and squash.
Debbie Robinson, Chief Executive of Central England Co-operative, said: “We’re supporting Co-op Fortnight because it is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate alongside our partners in the wider Co-operative movement in the true spirit of co-operation and showcase our point of difference as a community-focused Society.
“We can’t wait to welcome some of the many great local community groups, good causes and projects in to our stores, help them promote themselves and raise money, as well as showcasing some of the fantastic member groups we offer as a benefit of Central England Co-operative membership.
“We are also delighted to roll out the food bank shopping lists and encourage shoppers to join in with the co-operative spirit of Co-op Fortnight and donate an item or two to those in need.”
During Co-op Fortnight Central England Co-operative will also be hosting or supporting a range of events out in its communities including Fairtrade football tournaments, educational conferences, community fun days and delivering workshops and assemblies.
To keep up-to-date with all the activities taking place during Co-op Fortnight 2019 visit www.membershipmatters.coop
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 www.members.coop
Notes to editors
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, travel shops, 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 2019.
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 and James Brindle at Central England Co-operative on 01543 421390
Email – publicrelations@centralengland.coop