East of England Co-op raises over £4,800 for Alzheimer’s Society

Each year, during Dementia Awareness Week,  the East of England Co-op runs ‘Forget me not Friday’ where colleagues are encouraged to wear something blue to raise funds for vital research and support services for people living with dementia.

Jenna Veneziani, Community Fundraiser (Norfolk and Suffolk) at Alzheimer’s Society, said; “We are extremely grateful for the support from East of England Co-op across East Anglia. It was fantastic to have so many stores participate in Dementia Awareness Week 2017; it really helped increase awareness of dementia, start conversations and hopefully encourage people to seek support.

“The donation will make a huge difference and will help fund our cutting-edge research and local support services, including our ‘Side By Side’ service which helps people with dementia to keep doing the things they love and get out and about with the support of a volunteer. On behalf of Alzheimer’s Society, thank you to everyone at the East of England Co-op!”

The East of England Co-op has pledged to become the region’s leading Dementia Friendly Retailer and was named 'Large Organisation of the Year' at the Alzheimer's Society's 2016 Dementia Friendly Awards.

Minnie Moll, Joint Chief Executive at the East of England Co-op, said: “Our commitment to being the leading dementia friendly retailer is something we are absolutely passionate about. We are incredibly proud of our colleagues who have really taken this to heart. By completing dementia friendly training and through fundraising activities like donning blue for Forget me not Friday, they are helping to raise awareness of dementia and the issues that people living with the condition face on a daily basis.” 

The East of England Co-op has been working in partnership with Alzheimer’s Society since 2014 resulting in 90% of our colleagues becoming Dementia Friends and the creation of a Dementia Friendly Retail and Business Guide.