East of England Co-op raises over £5.5k to support the NHS

In partnership with other co-ops nationwide and well-known brands such as Marmite and Starbucks, the East of England Co-op has been raising money for NHS Charities Together by selling gifts that give a little back.

This initiative brings the total amount raised by East of England Co-op for NHS Charities Together since the first national lockdown to nearly £15,000.

Over the festive period, customers across Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex were encouraged to buy festive bouquets from East of England Co-op, with £1 from each sale being donated to support the NHS. The retailer has surpassed its £5,000 fundraising target, with 5,551 bouquets being purchased across its 122 food stores, raising a total of £5,551 for the campaign.

The money raised by the campaign will be distributed by NHS Charities Together to NHS charities across the UK who will use it to provide the support that will make the biggest difference for the staff, volunteers and patients.

This could include providing hot meals and a place to rest for staff working long hours or specialised psychological support for those struggling with stress, trauma and separation from their loved ones.

East of England Co-op Joint Chief Executive, Niall O’Keeffe, said: “Supporting our communities is at the heart of what we do and the NHS is a vital part of our community, so we’re proud to be able to make this donation to help support.

“Our members and customers were delighted to know that simply through purchasing a festive bouquet, they have been able to give a little back to NHS staff and volunteers who are at the forefront of tackling the coronavirus crisis, along with all of our other key workers.”

The funds raised by the campaign will also be used to help vital partnerships outside hospitals, such as hospices, community healthcare and social care so they can provide care to patients, volunteers and staff outside of hospital.