Jetsetters raise thousands to boost Co-op campaign

Generous holidaymakers have helped to raise over £7,000 and counting to kick-start a new Lincolnshire Co-op campaign that will raise funds for local hospices.
Co-op staff and customers are raising money for local hospicesCo-op staff and customers are raising money for local hospices
Co-op staff and customers are raising money for local hospices

Co-op customers are being asked to donate £1 when they book a break through one of the Society’s travel branches. The £7,640 raised already will be boosted further over the next few months by people who secure their exotic escapes.

Lincolnshire Co-op’s Travel Group Manager Wayne Dennett said: “We’re delighted that so many charitable travel customers have given something back to the community whilst treating themselves to a well-deserved break. We hope many others will follow suit over the next three months.”

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As part of Lincolnshire Co-op’s Community Champions scheme, nine hospices in Lincolnshire, Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire, will be the Society’s chosen Champions throughout March, April and May with a range of fundraising activities taking place.

Colleagues will be taking part in sponsored pedometer challenges, with the aim of walking 10,000 miles and raising £10,000.

As well as fundraising, the Community Champions scheme sees a donation made to the good causes every time a member shops using their dividend card. Proceeds from the carrier bag levy as well as the £1 travel donations will continue to add to the total.

Lincolnshire Co-op’s Community Manager Sam Turner said: “Hospices do vital work in our area supporting people with life-limiting illnesses.

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“Every situation is unique and so services offered by hospices are extensive, covering everything from medical care to creative outlets for patients.

“We’re looking forward to raising money for such fantastic charities which are helping thousands of people every year find peace and comfort, as well as spreading the message that hospices are about much more than end-of- life care.

“This initial donation gets us off to a great start. We’ve got lots more fundraising planned over the next few months together with our members, so it’s only up from here!”

One of the hospices that Lincolnshire Co-op is supporting is St Barnabas Hospice, which covers Louth, Lincoln, Grantham, Spalding and Gainsborough.

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Head of Fundraising and Marketing for St Barnabas Hospice Veronica Brien said: ““St Barnabas Hospice is a local independent charity and every year we support more than 9,000 people across Lincolnshire. We deliver free, high-quality, compassionate end-of- life care and support to adults living with a life-limiting or terminal condition.

“To achieve this, we rely on the support of our local community and local businesses to ensure that we can be there for more patients, their families and carers, every day of the year.

“The continued support of local businesses like the Lincolnshire Co-op is invaluable to the work of the Hospice and to ensuring we can be there for more families across Lincolnshire. This year we must raise £5.5 million to continue our services, and every £1 really does make a huge difference.”