Members raise funds for Barnardo’s

Last month, we launched our new charity partnership with Barnardo’s to bring communities together to support young people. Co-op Members have already helped to raise a whopping £13,000 in much-needed funds simply by joining in.

More than 26,000 members watched our launch video to find out more, and answer a few quiz questions, about the partnership. For every member that got involved, we’ve donated 50p to Barnardo’s from our Co-op Community Partnership Fund – totalling more than £13,000.

Most members who joined in told us they’d donate to the partnership when doing their shopping, either in store or online. Many said they’d take part in member events – such as voting in the AGM or future Join In events also providing a donation from Co-op to the Partnership.

Members were also keen on finding out more information about the partnership, spreading the word on social media, and getting involved with in-store fundraising activities.

We asked members for their thoughts on the partnership. Here are just a few of your comments:

“I think this is a really positive, simple thing everyone – including myself – can do to help Barnardo’s and my Co-op to make the world a fairer place.”

Molly, from Whitby

“It’s a great charity to partner with and as a member I would be happy to help where I can.”

Sarah, from Caldicot

“I will tell all friends and family about the good work that is being done and encouraging them all to shop at Co-op and to offer support with all fundraising activities.”

Patrick, from Ramsgate

“It’s great that there’s different ways and levels that people can get involved to fit in alongside their day-to-day commitments.”

Patrick, from Ramsgate

“It’s a very worthy cause as youngsters of today are experiencing a lot more difficulty than previous generations – three cheers to the Co-op and Barnardo’s.”

Richard, from Tavistock

“I love how community-minded this is. Co-op tries hard with everything they do, it’s wonderful to even be a small part of that.”

Susan, from Catterick Garrison

In partnership with Barnardo’s – the UK’s largest children’s charity – Co-op is aiming to raise £5m to support 750,000 young people to access basic needs like food, manage their mental wellbeing and take advantage of opportunities for their future. Supporting the communities we serve is what do, and together with your help we can make a real difference to young people’s lives.

As a Co-op Member, you can get involved and help raise funds for Barnardo’s in several ways:

1. Donate either at till in a Co-op store or online.

2. Look out for fundraising activities happening between 15 – 21 May in your local Co-op store

3. Take part in member events such as voting in the AGM  or Join in events

Over the next few months, you’ll see different brands and suppliers donating to our partnership – including ice cream brand Häagen-Dazs. From now until September, every time you buy ‘The Mini Joys Collection Minicups’, Häagen-Dazs’ will donate money to Barnardo’s too. Keep an eye out for other products supporting our partnership in your local Co-op store.

Thanks so much for your amazing support so far. You can find out more information on our partnership with Barnardo’s  here.

There are always ways for Co-op Members to get involved in their Co-op. Head to your online membership account to find out what opportunities are available now and continue to support the partnership.