Funeral Services colleagues collect clothing and blankets for those in need across the world

East of England Co-op Funeral Services colleagues in Essex have collected over 100 bags of donated clothing to provide warmth and comfort for those displaced from war and natural disasters across the world.

Funeral Services colleague, Debbie, with some items donated by members of the public.

Throughout February, Funeral branches including those in Clacton, Frinton and Manningtree, have acted as drop-off points for those wishing to donate unwanted clothing and blankets. The warm items will be distributed by a group of local people who are keen to help those who have been left homeless by the war in Ukraine and the recent earthquake which has affected Turkey and Syria. 

Head of Funeral Services, Colin Dixon, said: “Supporting good causes is an important part of the role of our colleagues, and the team in Essex were keen to help those in need following recent devastating events around the world.

I’m incredibly proud of the team and I’m sure that those who receive the items will be incredibly grateful”.  

This is not the only way that East of England Co-op has supported those in need because of the on-going conflict in Ukraine and the earthquake affecting Turkey and Syria. Last year, the region’s largest independent retailer supported the Disasters Emergency Committee’s (DEC) Ukraine humanitarian appeal by holding fundraisers in-store, raising a total of £50,025.63. More recently, support for the DEC’s Turkey/Syria appeal has taken the form of cash donations from customers and members in Food stores and Travel branches.