Co-ops support their flood-affected communities

Co-operatives in areas affected by floods and storms are supporting their communities. The Co-operative Group in Somerset has launched a countywide campaign to help those affected, Midcounties Co-operative has...

Co-operatives in areas affected by floods and storms are supporting their communities. The Co-operative Group in Somerset has launched a countywide campaign to help those affected, Midcounties Co-operative has set up an emergency fund for members and Kingsbury Community Shop in Kingsbury Escopi has become an important hub for local flood victims.

Workers at the community co-op in Kingsbury Episcopi, on the edge of the floods on the Somerset Levels, have been working tirelessly to help those affected. Less than a mile from the shop, Thorney residents, many of whom are regular customers, wade through water to do their shopping or work their shifts.

In response, the shop has extended its range, increased sales and become a source of support and solidarity for struggling residents. Pauline Warren, secretary of Kingsbury Community Shop, said: “The shop suppliers are working valiantly to keep the shop stocked with essential supplies despite the extra miles they have to travel. Instead of the usual five mile trip to buy local meats and other provisions, we have to drive 32 miles.

“Each time we start out we come across fresh floods and have to divert to a different route. The rain to stop and the sun to shine is the wish of all those affected.”

Peter Couchman, chief executive of the Plunkett Foundation, said: “We’re particularly proud of the commitment of the staff and volunteers who continue to keep community shops open to serve their local communities under very trying circumstances.”

He said community shops provided essential services. “They often provide a greater service for those who are disadvantaged,” he said. “In times of bad weather and national emergency, community shops come into their own, and are able to maintain a vital supply of food and services, as well as act as a central hub of information.”

Fifteen Co-operative Group food stores in Somerset are running a raffle to raise money for those worst affected, and all have installed collection tins. Money raised will be given to flood relief charity the Somerset County Foundation.

Some of the county’s stores have collection points for canned goods and non-food items, which will go to a charity providing aid to local communities. Paul Chudley, regional operations manager for the Group in Somerset, said customers were being very generous: “We’re aware that many of our customers have been hugely affected by the severe weather and our store teams are committed to doing as much as possible to help out,” he said.

Midcounties Co-operative launched its Member’s Flood Fund last month with a £10,000 donation. Customer donations have been rolling in, and fundraising will continue as long as the adverse weather conditions are a problem.

Members whose homes have been flood-damaged can apply for a £100 grant from the fund to help cover out of pocket expenses. An application form is available at www.midcounties.coop

Maxine Sharman, Midcounties’ head of community engagement, said storms had damaged thousands of homes. “It’s often the unexpected expenses such as excess payments on insurance claims that can leave people out of pocket,” she said. “We ran a similar initiative in 2007 to help members who were affected by the southern floods, and again we’ve already been overwhelmed by the support that our customers, colleagues and members have given.”

Southern Co-operative has also donated £4,600 to Surrey Search and Rescue. Last May, Southern launched a Community Support Card scheme at its Chobham store to donate £10,000 over one year to be shared equally between two local charities, Surrey Search and Rescue and Link Able. In response to the floods, the society has given an advance of that donation to enable the purchase of dry suits, life jackets and other safety equipment.

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