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Radstock Co-op Donate to charities to support those affected by coronavirus

01 May 2020

Radstock Co-op Donate to charities to support those affected by coronavirus

The Society has witnessed and, in many cases, been affected by significant events in its 150-year history.  From two world wars, the collapse of the mining industry, closures of local rail networks to the impact of foot and mouth disease.  However, the devastating impact of the coronavirus pandemic will certainly go down as one of the most significant, and one which is affecting all aspects of our daily lives.

As a West Country based co-operative business, the Society has always endeavoured to play its part in times of hardship, struggle and difficulty.

With this in mind, the Society is making a significant donation of £30,000 towards charities and good causes that will benefit the local communities in which it serves. 

Each of the following charities are to receive £10,000.  ‘NHS Charities Together’, which champion and support over 140 NHS charities to enhance patient experience and care.  The Trussell Trust, which supports a national network of foodbanks providing food and support to those in need. And FareShare, the UK’s longest running food redistribution charity which aims to cut down on food waste and divert it to those in need.

Julian Mines, CEO of FareShare South West said, "We are incredibly grateful to Radstock Co-operative Society for their support at this critical time. As part of the FareShare UK network, FareShare South West has doubled the amount of food we redistribute in response to the crisis, including supporting over 25 frontline organisations across Radstock and BANES working with the critically vulnerable. As the lockdown relents, the food crisis will be far from over. FareShare South West needs to be there in the coming weeks and months to ensure the most vulnerable don't go hungry. This generous donation from Radstock Cooperative Society will both help ensure our emergency response can continue and the future of our work is secured."

Don Morris, CEO of Radstock Co-op said, “During these unprecedented and extremely challenging times, we wanted to show our support for these charities which have been working tirelessly to ensure that aid and care gets through to those in greatest need.  We dug deep into our pockets to find the funds to direct to these charitable causes. In addition, we have temporarily suspended our dividend card scheme and all points earned over the coming months will be converted to a financial donation in respect of the nominated charities.  Our members have welcomed this approach so when they spend in our stores, they know that they are also ‘doing their bit’ in some, small way to help those in need during this crisis.    

I would also like to pay tribute to the hard work, commitment and dedication of all our colleagues, both in the frontline and behind the scenes, who continue to give their all in order to keep our stores trading and providing essential items to our customers and members.”