ECF chosen as Co-op charity of the year

18th May 2020

Two of the county’s strongest community supporters have joined forces for the coming year to help with emergency funding for charitable causes through the Essex Coronavirus Response and Recovery Programme.

The initiative was launched in March by the independent charitable trust, Essex Community Foundation  (ECF),  to channel desperately needed funds to voluntary organisations during and after the pandemic.

Now it has been announced that Chelmsford Star Co-operative, the Essex-based co-op society, have chosen the Essex Coronavirus Response and Recovery Programme as their charity of the year, starting in mid-May.

The partnership means that the Programme, which secured £1.1 million worth of funding during its first month, will be given an extra boost to help local communities.

Barry Wood, chief executive of Chelmsford Star Co-op said: “We are delighted to work with ECF to direct much needed assistance to a wide range of charities and voluntary groups across Essex, who are struggling due to the impact of  COVID-19.

“The Essex Coronavirus Response and Recovery Programme has been chosen by our directors to be our new charity partner, with all support from colleagues, members and customers being directed towards this until May 2021.

“The Programme provides emergency funding to keep many vital services running across Essex that might otherwise be at risk of closure, both now and as we move forward into the next stages of recovery.

“We have food stores across Essex and our customers and members will also be able to donate in our Quadrant department stores when they reopen, or via our new JustGiving Page.

“We are looking forward to our year of partnership with Essex Community Foundation, and hope this dedicated and local Coronavirus Response and Recovery Programme will make a real difference to people and services across Essex.”

Caroline Taylor, chief executive of ECF, said: “We have had strong links with Chelmsford Star Co-op in the past and have always admired their commitment to the community.

The fact that they have chosen our Response and Recovery Programme as their charity of the year is wonderful news and is a great reflection of their community-based approach to charitable giving.

“Their support will enable us to help even more charities and organisations to sustain their services, which are needed more than ever.”