The East of England Co-op has introduced a new self-checkout feature which allows shoppers to donate money directly to local community causes. 

The new ‘Supporting our communities’ button, made possible by the regional retailer’s recent self-checkout replacement project with Trust Retail, allows members and customers to donate an amount of their choice to the store’s chosen Local Giving charity or the East of England Co-op’s Community Cares Fund. 

“With Christmas just around the corner, we’re encouraging members and customers to visit their local store and support the charity chosen by their local co-op. Even the smallest donation can help make the festive season brighter for local people and the organisations working hard to support them. It’s a simple way to spread a little kindness at a time of year when it matters most,” commented Angela Carpenter, Community Support Lead at the East of England Co-op.

Each year, the East of England Co-op invests a portion of its profits through its Community Cares Fund to support local charities and community initiatives across the region focused on ‘community cohesion and integration’. 

The East of England Co-op’s Local Giving campaign gives colleagues across almost 200 stores and branches the opportunity to choose a local charity, twice a year, that is important to their local community. They then spend three months at a time supporting their selected charities through awareness-raising and fundraising activities. All money raised goes directly to their chosen charities alongside a £150 donation from the retailer. 

“We know how much our Local Giving charities and our Community Cares Fund grant recipients rely on the generosity of local people. By adding a simple way to donate at our self-checkouts, we’re giving our members and customers more choice and more opportunities to make a real difference in their communities,” added Carpenter.

Donations can be made to the store’s chosen Local Giving charity from 1 June to 31 August, and from 1 November to 31 January. Outside of these months, any donations will go towards the East of England Co-op’s Community Cares Fund.