The Co-operative Group Raises Over Half A Million Pounds For Children
08 August 2007
The Co-operative Group is today (Wednesday, 8 August) celebrating reaching the milestone halfway stage of its fundraising campaign for The Children's Society by handing over half a million pounds to the charity.
Staff from The Co-operative Group's food retail, travel, funerals, pharmacy, banking, insurance, farming and footwear businesses, supported by members and customers, have been hosting a series of fundraising events since the launch of the campaign on 2 April 2007.
In addition to traditional fundraising activities such as cake-baking, in-store competitions and fetes, adventurous staff have come up with some more imaginative activities including parachute jumps, a John Wayne dress-up day, a mid-summer Christmas celebration and a sponsored Borat-style mankini wearing event.
The Group is hoping to raise more than £1 million for The Children's Society and its partner charities; Aberlour in Scotland, Extern in Northern Ireland and Tros Gynnal in Wales, to help improve the lives of 60,000 children and their families.
Guy McCracken, Chief Executive, Food, The Co-operative Group, said: "The Co-operative's colleagues and members are having a great time raising money for The Children's Society. Behind the fun, however, lies a serious message. The Children's Society helps thousands of children. "At this half-way stage, we're delighted to be handing over £½ million to the charity. The tremendous enthusiasm and commitment across The Co-operative for this initiative, plus the help of our ever-supportive customers and members, has been incredible and we are well on target."
Bob Reitemeier, Chief Executive of The Children's Society, added: "We are delighted with this fantastic amount of money and sheer dedication from across The Co-operative. I want to thank everyone who has taken part by either dressing up, baking, cycling or bathing in baked beans - the money you've raised, with the help of your loyal customers, will make a huge difference to thousands of children and you should all be incredibly proud."
Coronation Street star Kate Ford, a keen supporter of The Children's Society, said: "It's fantastic news that The Co-operative Group has raised so much money for their charity of the year, The Children's Society and its partners, and I hope everybody continues to support them. They work hard to give children back their childhoods and I am backing them all the way."
The frenzy of fundraising by Co-operative staff and members across the UK is set to continue over the coming months with sponsored head shaves, white water rafting expeditions, karaoke days, car boot sales and an It's A Knockout challenge among the many activities taking place.
Notes to Editors:For images or interviews please contact The Children's Society media team on 020 7841 4422.
Media contacts:
The Children's Society
Paul Martin, tel: 0207 841 4422
The Co-operative Group
Joanna MacKerracher, tel: 0141 304 5560
· The Co-operative Group, which is based in Manchester, is one of the UK's biggest businesses and has powerful market positions in Food Retail, Specialist Retail, Banking and Insurance. It employs over 87,000 people and has more than 4,500 high street outlets. As well as delivering on its financial and operational goals, the Co-operative Group aims to deliver on its social goals, playing an active part supporting local communities and the wider world.
· The Children's Society is a national charity driven by the belief that every child deserves a good childhood. To that end it provides vital help and understanding for those children who face the greatest danger, discrimination or disadvantage; children who are unable to find the support they need anywhere else.
· Aberlour works in Scotland with and for children, young people and families who need additional support to promote their development and well-being. Aberlour runs 47 services which make a positive difference to the lives of around 6,000 children in Scotland every year. Visit www.aberlour.org.uk
· Extern is a charity working with partners, providing high quality innovative and community based services for people with complex needs. Extern works collaboratively and in partnership with agencies within the Criminal Justice sector, health and social services, Northern Ireland Housing Executive, education and employment sectors and local communities. The aim of the work that Extern does is to realise the potential of children and adults with whom they work by valuing and supporting them as they deal with the difficult situations in which they find themselves. All money raised in the Northern Ireland Co-op fundraising initiative will help fund Extern's work with children. Visit www.extern.org
· Tros Gynnal is a Welsh charity set up in 2002 to safeguard and support children and young people throughout Wales. It currently provides 10 services that promote children's rights; keep children safe; listen to children and help others to listen; and help families stay together. Visit www.trosgynnal.org.uk