Say thank you this Celebration Day

This Celebration Day, we’re bringing colleagues and local causes together to thank and celebrate the contribution our members make to supporting local communities by choosing Co-op.

Co-op Members, Colleagues and Member Pioneers have been making a big impact this year supporting their communities through their efforts and donations.  To shine a light on all the great work they’ve been doing to support their community, we’re hosting a Community Celebration from the 15th to 18th November in our Co-op stores, Funeralcare locations, depots, support centres and community locations.

This year, our Community Celebration will focus on highlighting the impact our funding has had supporting local communities across the UK.

Beyond expressing support for local causes, we also aim to spotlight diverse community initiatives funded by our members. From community fridges and local pantries to Peer Action Collective (PAC) groups benefiting from community donations, the help of our Co-op Members has made these causes possible.

We want to introduce you to some local heroes who are doing incredible work in their community, supported by Co-op Members.

Making a difference in Springburn

Meet Emma, a teenager and a Co-op member pioneer from Springburn who is helping to make her community a better place to live.

From extra bins and more clean park benches, that’s all thanks to Emma. In fact, this remarkable young woman has made her mark on an array of projects that are making a tangible difference in her beloved community. Emma helped to found the Springburn Youth Forum, who consult with councillors, officials and MSPs to improve the area and stand up against injustices against young people. And with Co-op firmly by her side, Emma’s work has the support of a powerful and caring ally.

Our member pioneers bring together Co-op colleagues and local causes to make communities a better place to work, play, live and learn. They can also put you in touch with like-minded people who can offer practical advice and support. If you’re inspired to help out, find out more about becoming a Co-op member pioneer.

Affordable groceries for those in need

Liane is a local superstar who works as the community food hub manager at the Brasshouse Community Centre, her Local Pantry. Co-op’s partnership with the Brasshouse offers affordable groceries to members for just £3.50 a week. The food pantry also serves as a vital entry point for those seeking additional assistance and services offered by the centre or elsewhere in the community. Liane aims to destigmatise access to services and to ensure her community knows that the Brasshouse is just one of the many ways her community can help.

Local Pantries serve over 90,000 people in more than 80 neighbourhoods across the UK, aiming to alleviate high living costs and foster community growth. Unlike food banks, these pantries operate like grocery stores. Staff and volunteers run them, and for a small weekly fee, members can shop for groceries, including fresh produce, at a reduced cost. Find out more about local pantries in your area.

We hope that you will join us this Celebration Day in honouring our local superstars and Colleagues who have made such positive impact this year. We also want to thank all of our Co-op Members who have supported their local community by choosing Co-op this year.

If you’ve been inspired by Emma and Laine, find out how you can get more involved with your community.