Lincolnshire Co-Op raise £290,000 for homeless charities

From December to February, Lincolnshire Co-op’s chosen Community Champions were 14 local organisations working to tackle homelessness.

Every time a member shopped using their dividend card, a donation was made to those good causes.

The supermarket also donated proceeds from the plastic bag charge, while staff took on challenges including sponsored sleep outs in Boston and Lincoln.

The Co-Op’s community engagement manager Sam Turner said: “We have been blown away by the generosity of our members, customers and colleagues.

“Together, we have been able to offer these groups a huge amount of support – both financial and practical.”

He added: “The 14 groups which have benefitted are doing incredible work in our area with some of the most vulnerable people in our communities.”

The total raised came to £147,534, but the Co-Op has also donated food and groceries worth £143,000, including 200 Christmas turkeys.

Shoppers contributed 97 boxes of toiletries through collection points at Co-Op pharmacies and Christmas presents through the society’s travel branches.

Charity P3 - People Potential Possibilities will receive a £42,998 boost to its housing support service.

P3 spokesman Jonny Goldsmith said: “We’re working in challenging times where the needs of our clients and the demands placed upon our services are greater than ever.

“While we don’t rely on donations to fund the work that we do, we are truly grateful to Lincolnshire Co-op and its members for this incredible act of generosity.”

For a full breakdown of the charities involved, visit http://bit.ly/2mV2Syi.