CHARITIES and community groups in Swindon received an early Christmas present from generous colleagues at The Midcounties Co-operative after they donated both time and money to the Swindon community.

Inspired by the season of goodwill, a Christmas jumper day saw colleagues from the New Port Street Midcounties Co-operative Food store raised nearly £500 for their charity partner, CALM. They also hosted an in-store competition to guess the number of items in a Christmas hamper to further boost funds.

The funds raised will help CALM (Children’s Cancer and Leukaemia Movement) provide support for children diagnosed with cancer, emotional care for families and arrange away days to theme parks, zoos and parties for the children.

The partnership with the charity is a part of The Midcounties Co-operative’s Regional Communities and Charitable Giving strategy, which sees a commitment for members and colleagues to come together to provide impactful support for local community groups.

Colleagues from the Midcounties Co-operative Food store in Crossways also helped spread Christmas cheer by visiting a group of 54 pre-school children from Swindon Academy. They were greeted by festive characters Cooper Bear and Peter Penguin, and were then able to let their creativity shine with a Christmas colouring competition.

Mark Taylor, supermarkets operations manager at The Midcounties Co-operative Food, said: “Christmas is the ideal time to give back to the local community and it’s great to see so many colleagues spreading festive cheer and making a positive impact in Swindon.

“The money raised will help our charity partner CALM continue their essential work with families and children, and the festive day with Swindon Academy gave the youngsters a well-deserved treat before Christmas Day.”