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Schools, community groups and voluntary associations are all beneficiaries of donations from The Co-operative Funeralcare branches and Southern Co-op.
In addition to dozens of locations across Hampshire, donations have also been made on the Isle of Wight.
A total of 400 mince pies were baked at The Co-operative Food store in Ryde and donated to Mountbatten Hospice’s Lite Up A Life service.
Claire McGinty, Client Experience & Aftercare Manager at Southern Co-op, said:
“Each donation might seem trivial but they contribute to a wider picture which helps individuals and families across our communities – whether that is an excuse for people to come together, or a warm meal with an added piece of festive fun.
“It is a real pleasure to be able to spread some joy at this time of year and help in whatever way we can.”
Being part of Southern Co-op, the funeralcare colleagues have also been joined in making festive donations by their retail counterparts.
More information about Southern Co-op’s community programme, Love Your Neighbourhood, is available online.