Sheffield Co-ops raise over £3,000 for The Sick Children’s Trust

Two ‘Homes from Home’ run by The Sick Children’s Trust in Sheffield, supporting families with seriously ill children in free accommodation, just minutes from their child’s hospital bedside, have received a £3,000 funding boost from the Co-op.

The money, which has been raised as a result of the retailer’s new membership scheme, will benefit Treetop House located at Sheffield Children’s Hospital and Magnolia House on Northumberland Road, which both form part of The Sick Children’s Trust UK-wide network.

The charity, which was established in 1982 by two doctors, now has ten ‘Homes from Home’ across the country which are collectively able to support over 4,000 families a year.

Relying solely on voluntary donations, the charity was identified as a worthy local cause by a variety of stores in Sheffield including those on Derbyshire Lane and Lees Hall Avenue. Co-op members earn a five per cent reward when they purchase own-brand products and services with a further one per cent being donated to designated charities.

The Sick Children’s Trust Regional Fundraiser, Laura Leverton, said: “We’re so grateful to every Co-op member who chose to support The Sick Children’s Trust through the Local Community Fund. Because of your support, we have received a fantastic donation of £3,046 for our Sheffield ‘Homes from Home’ which support families with seriously ill children undergoing lifesaving treatment at Sheffield Children’s Hospital.

“The money raised will go towards supporting families with much-needed accommodation, just minutes from their sick child’s bedside. Treetop and Magnolia Houses are there for families who have spent a long, emotionally exhausting day on the ward and who are in need of some rest and recuperation.

“On behalf of every family who relies on our support, we’d like to say a huge thank you to the Co-op and its members.”

Chief Membership Office at the Co-op, Rufus Olins, commented: “The Co-op has always been community focussed. The original Rochdale Pioneers were motivated by the need to improve the living conditions of those within their local community and they also understood that values were just as important as value.

“By listening to our members we are able to identify what communities care most about and then offer support that really makes a difference, and by working with and supporting local good causes great things are happening.”

The Co-op has 4.3 million active members including 750,000 recruited since the new scheme began on 21 September 2016.