Thousands of pounds raised for local charities
A total of 50 charities are set to benefit from money raised by co-operative retail colleagues in Hampshire thanks to the support of their local customers. More than £43,000 will be donated to Southern Co-op’s retail charity partners in the county.
The local causes were chosen last year by store colleagues to become their charity partner for a year – many of the stores are now inviting new applications for 2019-20.
Jessica Hughes, Community Investment Manager at Southern Co-op, said: “This is a really exciting time of year as we look back at all the amazing things our colleagues have done in the last year. We also look forward to all the interesting new opportunities and partnerships in the year to come.
“Across all our retail stores in the south east, their fundraising activities have meant more than £105,000 will be donated to a wide range of local causes.
“But it is not just about the money. Our colleagues often get really passionate about their local charity partner and can end up doing more than just fundraising so I would encourage anyone thinking about applying to pop into their local store and speak to the manager.”
The deadline for applications is fast approaching and causes should meet one of Southern Co-op’s ‘Love Your Neighbourhood’ themes - creating greener, safer, healthier or more inclusive neighbourhoods.
The Southern Co-op retail stores looking for a new partner include Aldershot's Lower Farnham Road, Alresford's West Street, Andover's East Anton Farm Road, Beggarwood's Broadmere Road, Bishop's Waltham's High Street, Bridgemary's Gregson Avenue, Chandlers Ford's Falkland Court and Hursley Road, Church Crookham's Aldershot Road, Cowplain's London Road, Denmead's Hambledon Road, Drayton's Havant Road, Eastleigh's Leigh Road, Fairoak's Sandy Lane, Havant's Middle Park Way (Park Lane), Hayling Island's Elm Grove, Holbury's Long Lane, Lee on Solent's High Street, Lyndhurst's High Street, Milford on Sea's High Street, Portsmouth's Devonshire Square, Eastney Road, Great Southsea Street, New Road, Northern Parade, Tangier Road, The Hard, Tregaron Avenue and Winter Road, Purbrook's London Road, Southampton's High Street, Southbourne's Main Road, Titchfield's The Square, West End's High Street, Westbourne's The Square and Whiteley's Yew Tree Drive.
Lisa Congdon, Corporate Fundraiser at Naomi House & Jacksplace – a charity partner in 2018/19, said: “Working with Southern Co-op has been an absolute dream. The team totally bought into the work of Naomi House & Jacksplace and approached the partnership with bags of enthusiasm, ingenuity and innovation.
“Collectively, the team at Southern Co-op’s Western Road store have raised enough money to make a significant difference in the life of a seriously ill child or young adult.”
Causes are encouraged to visit their local store as soon as possible to request an application form. Or to find out more about Southern Co-op’s charity partners, visit www.thesouthernco-operative.co.uk/makingadifference/local-partnerships.