Co-op helping RNLI raise vital funds

Greeting shoppers in bright and colourful wellies and 'SOS' t-shirts, staff pulled out all the stops to raise as much as possible for the start of the campaign.

In Ballycastle, staff held a second-hand book sale and will be organising lots more activities over the 90 days.

Store manager Jane Steele said: "Our customers, members and staff have really got behind this campaign. The RNLI provides a vital lifesaving service for the area and we are very pleased to be able to support it. In just the first day we raised 220 which is a great start. All donations over the coming months are very much appreciated."

Over the past two years Co-operative staff and customers have raised over 54,000 through organising RNLI SOS day events making them one of the largest corporate supporters to respond to the charity's SOS.

John McNeill, The Co-operative's Regional Operations Director for Northern Ireland, Scotland and the Isle of Man, says: "The RNLI provides an invaluable service and is a charity close to the heart of many of the communities The Co-operative serves. Our big-hearted staff, supported by our ever generous customers, will go all out to raise as much money as they can for such a deserving charity."

Caroline Mason, Corporate Fundraising Manager for the RNLI in Ireland, says: "We are delighted to be working with The Co-operative, who like the RNLI, are a large organisation with a community focus.

"Their staff have an infectious enthusiasm, and like our volunteers are community focused and extremely charitable. As a charity we rely on donations, and the 90,000 The Co-operative aims to raise will help pay for a years training for 59 of our volunteer lifeboat crew in Northern Ireland, Scotland and the Isle of Man. "