A volunteer-run sailing charity for people with disabilities is celebrating after receiving a donation from the East of England Co-operative Society’s Community Dividend Fund.

The East Anglian Sailing Trust (EAST) is based at the Suffolk Yacht Harbour at Levington Marina near Ipswich, and provides disabled people and their carers with opportunities to take part in boating activities and related experiences.

The charity is run entirely by volunteers and also hosts an annual event for sailors who are blind or visually-impaired. EAST aims to supply equal opportunities for all participants whatever their disability and, above all, provide a fun experience for everyone.

The trust has used the fund donation to purchase three new lifejackets to ensure safety for both participants and volunteers.

Michael Hervey-Murrary, EAST Trustee, said how grateful EAST was for the donation from the Society.  He added: “EAST’s activities are all about providing safe sailing opportunities for disabled people in the local community and it is excellent that this has been recognised by the East of England Co-operative Society.”

Miriam Harrup, East of England Co-op Communications Manager, said: “As a Co-operative Society that is owned by its local Members and has a long-standing commitment to giving back to the communities where it trades, we are delighted to support the volunteers and participants at the East Anglian Sailing Trust.

“The Community Dividend Fund is supported by Members who kindly divert their Dividend to the Society’s ‘660’ fund, which benefits hundreds of local charities, groups and organisations every year.”

For more information on the East Anglian Sailing Trust (EAST) go to their website at www.e-a-s-t.org.uk or telephone 0333 088 3278.

PICTURE CAPTION: Bill Smith (left) and Michael Hervey-Murray (centre) from the East Anglian Sailing Trust, with Society President Gillian Bober (right) at Levington Marina.

Note to Editors:
The East of England Co-operative Society is the largest independent retailer in East Anglia and has over 200 trading outlets which are located in more than 70 towns and villages including the three regional centres of Norwich, Ipswich and Colchester.  

The Society’s diverse business activities include: supermarkets and food stores, travel, pharmacy, optical and funeral branches, petrol forecourts, training academy and events and conference centre. 

For further information:
Laura Bennett, Public Relations Officer, East of England Co-operative Society,
Wherstead Park, The Street, Wherstead, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP9 2BJ    
E-mail: l.bennett@eastofengland.coop