Lincolnshire Co-op have launched a fundraising initiative to help homeless people in the local area and are giving away over £140,000 worth of food, toiletries and household goods.

During December, January and February , 14 homeless charities including Newark Emmaus Trust, will be Lincolnshire Co-op’s chosen Community Champions as part of their fundraising programme. This means that every time a member shops using their dividend card, a donation will be made to one of the charities. Proceeds from staff fundraising and the sale of plastic bags will also be going into the pot.

During the 3 month period Lincolnshire Co-op’s 49 pharmacies will also be asking customers to donate toiletry items including toothpaste, soap, deodorant and sanitary products.

Lincolnshire Co-op’s Community Manager Sam Turner said “It’s one of the simplest comforts we have – a place to call home. And yet hundreds of people across our area are struggling to find one. It’s a very vulnerable situation to be in”.

The Trust will be using the items donated to provide welcome and emergency food and toiletry packs for residents, as well as providing communal cooking sessions as part of the Believe & Achieve activity programme.