Almost 200,000 Fairtrade tea bags have been given to 310 good causes through East of England Co-op’s project, ‘Co-op Cuppa’.
The co-op has described the initiative as based around the sense of the cup of tea as a catalyst for ‘conversation, connection and co-operation’. The campaign aims to provide a helping hand and support local communities and their charitable causes.
During the first six months of the project, over 100 clubs, churches, schools and community events received the tea. The groups have ranged from parent and toddler groups to athletics clubs for people with disabilities, or groups that aim to combat loneliness.
East of England Co-op is an independent consumer co-operative covering Essex, Suffolk and Norfolk. Happy recipients of the tea bags have been sharing their stories on Twitter using the hashtag #CoopCuppa.
Sharon Harkin, Health Living campaign officer for the East of England Coop, said: “Co-op Cuppa was born out of the idea that a good cuppa can work wonders in times of need or in bringing people together.
“We’re delighted to have supported over 300 local good causes across our region and, as our Co-op Cuppa tea is Fairtrade, every cup has supported positive action to tea growers across Kenya and Malawi.
“We also sell Fairtrade bananas, sugar and chocolate and as Fairtrade Fortnight returns on February 29 to March 13, we are encouraging customers to enjoy a Fairtrade breakfast to support farmers and workers across the world in sharing an equal voice.”
For more information on the initiative, and to apply for a Co-op Cuppa for your own organisation, go to: www.eastofengland.coop/coopcuppa
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