The East of England Co-op has introduced a new button on their self-checkouts which allows shoppers to donate money straight to their local communities via the East of England Co-op’s community programmes.
The new ‘Supporting our communities’ button, made possible by the regional retailer’s recent self-checkout replacement project, allows members and customers to donate an amount of their choice to the store’s chosen Local Giving charity (available from 1 June to 31 August and from 1 November to 31 January). Outside of these months, any donations will go towards the East of England Co-op’s Community Cares Fund.
Each year, the East of England Co-op invests a contribution of its profits through its Community Cares Fund to support local charities and community initiatives across the region that address ‘community cohesion and integration’.
East of England Co-op’s Local Giving campaign gives colleagues across almost 200 East of England Co-op stores and branches a chance to choose a local charity, twice a year, that’s important to their local community. They then spend three months at a time supporting their selected charities through awareness raising and fundraising activities. All money raised goes directly to their chosen charities, alongside a £150 donation directly from the retailer.
Angela Carpenter, Community Support Lead for the East of England Co-op said: “We know how much our Local Giving charities and our Community Cares Fund grant recipients rely on the generosity of local people.
“By adding a simple way to donate at our self-checkouts, we’re giving our members and customers more choice and more opportunities to make a real difference in their communities.”
Stores will have collection pots and the option to donate at the till. They will also be taking part in a range of fundraising activities such as fancy dress, tombolas and second-hand book sales.
Image Credit: East of England Co-op / Anglia Picture Agency
