Jetsetters raise thousands to boost campaign

Generous holidaymakers have helped to raise over £7,000 and counting to kick-start a new Lincolnshire Co-op campaign that will raise funds for local hospices.

Customers are simply being asked to donate £1 when they book a break through one of the Society’s travel branches. The £7,640 raised already will be boosted further over the next few months by people who secure their exotic escapes.

Lincolnshire Co-op’s Travel Group Manager Wayne Dennett said: “We’re delighted that so many charitable travel customers have given something back to the community whilst treating themselves to a well-deserved break. We hope many others will follow suit over the next three months.”

As part of Lincolnshire Co-op’s Community Champions scheme, nine hospices in Lincolnshire, Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire will be the Society’s chosen Champions throughout March, April and May with a range of fundraising activities taking place.

Colleagues will be taking part in sponsored pedometer challenges, with the aim of walking 10,000 miles and raising £10,000.

Staff will also be volunteering at St Barnabas Colour Dash at Lincolnshire Showground on Saturday 13th May and Saint Catherine’s Hospice Colour Dash at Filey Beach in Scarborough on Sunday 14th May.

Lincolnshire Co-op’s Community Manager Sam Turner said: “Hospices do vital work in our area supporting people with life-limiting illnesses.

“We’re looking forward to raising money for such fantastic charities which are helping thousands of people every year find peace and comfort, as well as spreading the message that hospices are about much more than end-of-life care.

“This initial donation gets us off to a great start. We’ve got lots more fundraising planned over the next few months together with our members, so it’s only up from here!”

One of the hospices that Lincolnshire Co-op is supporting is St Barnabas Hospice, which covers Louth, Lincoln, Grantham, Spalding and Gainsborough.

Head of Fundraising and Marketing for St Barnabas Hospice Veronica Brien said:

“The continued support of local businesses like the Lincolnshire Co-op is invaluable to the work of the Hospice and to ensuring we can be there for more families across Lincolnshire. This year we must raise £5.5 million to continue our services, and every £1 really does make a huge difference.”