Independent co-operatives join national NHS Charities Together campaign

Ten British and international brands have joined together this Christmas to raise vital funds in recognition of the commitment of NHS staff during the COVID-19 crisis.

Retail partners part of the NHS Charities Together Christmas COVID-19 Appeal include Central England Co-op, East of England Co-op, Heart of England Co-operative, Midcounties Co-operative, Scotmid Co-operative and Southern Co-op.

The independent co-operatives will be selling a range of Christmas bouquets, which will be available in selected stores from 18 December, with £1 from each sale going to the appeal.

Other brands contributing to the appeal are Batiste, which is donating 40p from every canister of pink pineapple dry shampoo sold; Kindred, which is giving 100 per cent of the profits from the sale of its new rainbow clothing range; Marmite, which is donating £2 from the sale of every limited edition jar of Marmite; and Starbucks, which is donating 50p from the sale of every colour changing cup.

The proceeds will go to NHS charities across the UK this Christmas so they can provide more much-needed support to NHS staff, volunteers and patients.

Ellie Orton, CEO of NHS Charities Together, said: “Hundreds of thousands of NHS staff will be working over Christmas and New Year. They do it every year but this time they’re also having to deal with probably the biggest challenge our health service has ever faced.

“I’m thrilled and so grateful that we have been able to partner with these brands to do something about that and show how much the UK cares about those NHS staff and volunteers and the patients they are looking after.”

The Christmas campaign follows a tumultuous year during which the public has already given over £140m to NHS charities.

The money raised by the campaign will be distributed to NHS charities across the UK who will use it to provide whatever support will make the biggest difference for the staff, volunteers and patients.

That could include providing hot meals and a place to rest for staff working long hours and specialised psychological support for those struggling with stress, trauma and separation from their loved ones.

Heart of England Co-operative Society’s Chief Executive, Ali Kurji, said: “For over seven decades the NHS has run like clockwork. Until 2020 it’s probably something most of us took for granted, but the events of the past year have certainly changed the national mindset as its struggles and accomplishments alike have been brought into the spotlight daily. It’s a real institution and we are delighted to support this campaign.”

Local NHS charities are also providing additional support where it is most needed by NHS staff, volunteers and patients in their area, with a focus on support for people who are disproportionately affected by the Covid crisis, such as patients and staff from BAME communities and high-risk groups like those living with disabilities.

In the longer term the money raised will also fund programmes to help staff and families recover fully once the crisis has abated, reducing the long-term impact on them and the people they care about.

To find out more about NHS Charities Together, visit www.nhscharitiestogether.co.uk.