Our Virtual Charity Partner Coffee Morning!
This article will take approximately 3 minutes to read
Published 23 Sep 2020 in Communities
As we all continue to do things a little differently, last week we held our first virtual coffee morning with our Regional Community Charity Partners on Microsoft Teams!
Usually, we would have hosted a physical event to celebrate our fantastic charity partners, but we wanted to surprise them early with our additional funding of £1,000 that each of our charities received on the day. Hampers were also awarded to members in the community who have gone above and beyond during the coronavirus pandemic, very well deserved!
Aside from the surprises, the event gave our charity partners the perfect opportunity to network and connect with each other, sharing best practice and helping to develop our co-operative solutions to community issues.
The tea’s and coffees were in full flow as we heard updates from our partners on adapting to the lockdown and just how important our Community Restart Fund has been to them in rebuilding their programmes.
During the live event, a few of our charity partners shared their stories, from Homestart Wyre Forest who put on the virtual Weston-Super-Mare trip for their families to the Gloucestershire Young Carers who have managed to stay virtually connected with their young carers. It has been an interesting journey for all of them.
Sharing best practice
In these challenging times for our charities, sharing best practices can really help the charities get the best out of an unfortunate situation. During the morning, Aspire Oxford and Street Teams from Walsall did just that, highlighting how to maximise charity partnerships during a changing period.
“As important as the grant is, and how it helps us make an impact, we have found meaningful opportunities with the Co-op with in-store work placements and work experience programmes for people we support; including refugees to help them develop their business English skills in the workplace.” Paul at Aspire Oxford, who support homeless and disadvantaged people in Oxford.
“With Midcounties, we had an email nearly every day saying we want to do sponsored head shavings, car washes & bike rides just to help people. It wasn’t just about us as a charity but helping people in the community, together.” Andy Thompson, Street Teams, who work with children and young people abused through sexual exploitation.
Rewarding our charities
Many of our partners are in different situations, and to help them between now and the end of the financial year, we were proud to announce a further £1K donation to each of our Charity Partners to help re-build their charity programmes and further fundraising support across each of our Regional Community areas! This was extremely well received by our ecstatic charity partners on the Coffee morning and showcases why we are so committed to supporting our local communities.
Hear what some of our charities said about the event 😊:
Aspire Oxford – Central Oxford Regional Community
“It was really pleasing to join the charity partner event and experience the high level of solidarity and support that the Co-op brings to community charities.”
Pebble Brook School – Aylesbury Regional Community
“The Co-op provides support to its charity partners that is second to none and without shouting it from the rooftops.”
Abingdon Riding for the Disabled – White Horse Regional Community
“Thank you for the opportunity to join in the coffee morning, I was very apprehensive before the meeting, but found it very relaxing and enjoyable, as well as being very informative. The fund is greatly appreciated and will help with our day to day running costs, helping to pay for feed for the horses and keeping our staff on site. We have 13 horses, 3 staff and approx. 100 riders who benefit greatly from the stables.”
Caring for Communities & People (CCP) – Stroud Regional Community
[From an individual using the charity who we have helped] “I haven’t purchased chicken for years because it is too expensive. Since receiving the food parcels, every Thursday I clapped for the NHS then go into the kitchen and put on my apron. I’ve even made myself a chef’s hat and I really enjoy making something for dinner with the chicken now!”
Old Tree Nursery - South Staffs Villages Regional Community
“To be honest I was blown away and inspired by the partner updates. I would like to say a huge thank you to the Co-op for supporting us thus far in what seems some days like an impossible time for everyone. Listening to all our partners at the virtual coffee morning was truly inspiring and I would like to thank them too for sharing great practice and examples of how their work impacts lives in different ways.”
Forget Me Not (Bicester) – Bicester Regional Community
“Your support and encouragement are such a boost to us. We really appreciate your help and support. Thank you for everything you help with. People have already said to us “You made my day and what a lovely surprise.”
What’s next?
As we continue to navigate through the second half of the year, we are proud to showcase what has already been provided to the community over the last few months.
This includes:
-
Providing over £40,000 to 50 foodbank groups through our Food Bank Fund.
-
Distributing £34,000 across 36 charity partners through our Community Restart Fund.
-
Extended our charity partnerships that were due to come to an end at the end of this year to Jan 2022.
-
Completing over 75,000 home deliveries for vulnerable members of the community working with 700 volunteers, including almost 100 community groups.
This incredible work will continue to help our most in need and keep on supporting our local communities across our society. #ValuesinAction