Co-op Foundation to ‘pass it forward’ to support Ukraine appeal
Donations to the DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal ended at midnight on 31 August 2022. Any donations made via Member Rewards after this time will go directly to Co-op Foundation.
Co-op Members can now donate the rewards they gain shopping in store to the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal through the Co-op Foundation.
Co-op Members can currently choose to donate their Member Rewards to the Co-op Foundation through the app or website. From today, Wednesday 23 March, the Foundation will pledge the value of all donations to DEC.
How to donate: Members simply go to the membership area of the Co-op app or website and choose to donate the balance they’ve earned in-store to Co-op’s charity, the Co-op Foundation.
Funding will help support refugees and displaced people in need of food, water, health assistance and trauma care.
Three million people have already fled their homes in Ukraine, leaving behind jobs, belongings and loved ones.
In addition to donating their Rewards, Co-op Members and customers can also donate at tills in-store or by texting COOP to 70150. All text donations are to the value of £10 plus standard network charge. *
The retailer has committed its own funds by matching the first £100k of all Member, customer and colleague donations made instore and online.
The Foundation is also looking at ways to support Ukrainian refugees in the UK.
Nick Crofts, CEO of Co-op Foundation said: “It has been harrowing to watch the awful scenes unfold from the war in Ukraine. Like everyone else, we’ve wanted to do our bit at the Co-op Foundation to make a difference to those in need.
“I’m proud that from today we will forward all Co-op Member Reward donations to the DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal on behalf of Members. We care about the world we share, and we’re stronger when we work together.
“I hope our joint efforts will help those who have no food, no shelter and no idea what the future will hold. I urge Co-op members to give what you can today to help tackle the desperate situation these people are facing.”
Steve Murrells, CEO of Co-op said: “Co-op stands in solidarity with the people of Ukraine, and those in Russia who oppose this invasion.
“We understand that Members want to give what they can to help those affected by this terrifying war. By enabling them to donate their Member Rewards through our charity, the Co-op Foundation, we’re showing how the power of co-operation can build a fairer world.”
Co-op Foundation is Co-op’s charity. It helps build fairer and more co-operative communities to Co-op deliver on its vision of ‘Co-operating for a Fairer World’.
The Foundation’s support for DEC follows its quick response to the Afghanistan refugee crisis, where it donated its biggest ever single grant of £250k to Refugee Action, and its 2021 commitments to be a more flexible funder.
