ICA World Congress, Food Justice & Emersons Green Nursery Update
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Published 3 Dec 2021 in Phil's blog
Face Coverings Update
I am sure many of you will have heard the latest Government update over the last few days regarding the Omicron variant. This sees the re-introduction of face coverings to be worn in shops and on public transport in England and for anyone who enters the UK from abroad, having to take a PCR test to show they are negative. Our policy on face coverings remains unchanged from July, unless colleagues are medically exempt and with our approach, we continue to prioritise the protection of our colleagues, customers, and members. However, we remain vigilant to any changes and like all policies, these are constantly under review in line with the Government advice provided. For more information please visit the Coronavirus information centre here.
ICA World Congress Update
As mentioned last week the prestigious ICA World Congress took place between 1-3 December. I had the chance to join many co-operators across the globe along with my colleagues Sally Bonnar, Lizzie Hieron & Pete Westall to showcase just how Midcounties cooperatively makes a difference.
The fact that we were approached to take part in 4 separate sessions highlighting various aspects of the Society was huge, enabling us to stand side-by-side with global co-operatives.
Starting our coverage earlier this week was Pete Westall who discussed how the World Co-op monitor & ICETT (International Cooperative Entrepreneurship Think Tank) are integral to supporting leading co-ops and how all co-operatives can share best practices with each other. Sally spoke on cooperative childcare and education for our little pioneers; Lizzie spoke on how Utilities are innovating to enable our members to live socially responsible & low carbon lifestyles.
My presentation gave me the unique opportunity to speak on our strong ICA Marque co-operative brand and how we have been rolling out the ‘Your Co-op’ branding across our trading operations and websites. Speaking about how it forms more than just a logo, it talks directly to our members, colleagues, customers, communities and partners to affirm that this is their co-op making a real difference.
After taking part in some really good conversations and engagement over the last week, I am so proud we have been recognised and personally honoured to share the Midcounties best practices globally at the ICA World Congress this year.
Your Co-op Pharmacy supporting our members
Just last week, I got the chance to drop into the Healthcare hub that has been busy preparing PCR test kits due to the change in Government policy for travellers entering the UK. All about doing the right thing for our members and customers, the group have also been offering a guarantee to the 960 passengers who already purchased a lateral flow test which is now not required due to Government guideline changes.
To support them in a time of need, the team have contacted everyone to offer the correct test by simply paying the additional amount (with no postage costs), so they can be delivered to them as soon as possible. It would appear that this approach is unique and market-leading in regard to its generosity with reports of some providers not offering refunds at all, or replacements. A really nice gesture that will help members and customers while Government guidelines are amended. Thank you for all the rapid work you are doing to support everyone affected and if any colleagues require Travel Test kits at cost price, they can be purchased directly here.
Helping to clean our communities
Supporting our communities is integral to what we stand for and is engrained in our values. So, it was fantastic to see our colleagues and members taking part in the latest Community Litter Picks last week. Including our Regional Communities, some 45 members took part for the first time on a cold but sunny day. Collecting 167 bags of litter from the streets and neighbourhoods across our regions, it was great to read the comments from members of the public wanting to get involved next time around and join in. A quote from the Wolverhampton RC, “Thank you for what you’re doing for us. We would like to do something like this for our local area, can we join next time?'' A big thank you to everyone who took part and to read more click here.
Fighting for Food justice – Food Bank Fund opens & 20,000 meals saved with Too Good to Go app
As the festive season fast approaches, food poverty and the use of food banks will be set to increase with many families depending upon them to put food on the table. As part of our fight for food justice, this week sees the opening of our Food Bank Fund running until 24 December, enabling our members and customers to donate to our fund in all of our Food Stores. Proceeds from the fund will then be shared amongst our Food Bank partners in early January. Driving in-store donations and supporting our Food Bank partners, please encourage members and customers to help out where they can to raise awareness throughout the month. Click here to find out more and see how colleagues can get involved by volunteering at a local food bank.
As we stay on the topic of Food Justice, I am pleased to announce that the Too Good to Go app has helped save 20,000 meals across our stores from going to waste. Helping to reduce food waste the app was launched in October across our Food stores and lists nearby businesses with unsold discounted food that may have otherwise gone to waste. I am glad this idea has resonated with so many members and customers so far and look forward to seeing how this expands in the near future. Click here to find out more and why not grab your own ‘magic bag’ of food?
Emersons Green Nursery opening January 2022
With 2022 on the horizon, we are looking forward to the launch of the brand-new purpose-built nursery in Emersons Green, Bristol on 4 January. All part of the continued Society investments at over £800k, the final touches are being made on the site with spaces available for up to 100 little pioneers. With three separate play rooms on site for each age group, there is also a large garden for outdoor play and a designated parent’s room.
To welcome families and parents, the nursery will be hosting a special Family Fun Open Day taking place on 11 December, 10am-3pm. Giving an opportunity for prospective little pioneers to look around the nursery, there will be many activities going on including a winter wonderland. I’ve been told that Ana and Elsa from the popular Frozen film, will also be appearing with Santa in his Grotto. Very festive indeed! To book on click here.
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