Co-op donates £100k to support those impacted by the earthquake in Turkey and Syria

09 February 2023

To help support those affected by the devastating earthquakes that have hit Turkey and Syria killing thousands of people and reducing buildings to rubble, Co-op is making a £100,000 donation to its partners the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) to help kickstart Co-op's support of the appeal.

DEC Appeal

Rebecca Birkbeck, Co-op’s Director of Community and Member Participation said: “We’re deeply saddened by the scenes in the aftermath of the earthquake. People have been left without shelter in freezing winter conditions, with humanitarian needs expected to grow in the coming days.

“We know our members and customers will want to help and we're proud to be coming together with other co-operative societies and the wider Co-op movement, as well as our Nisa colleagues to collectively support this appeal.”

Co-op’s route to giving much-needed funding to international crises, such as the one unfolding in Turkey and Syria is through DEC. DEC are the experts in humanitarian response, having infrastructure, experience and personnel on the ground to make sure the funds raised, and support reaches those who need it most.

For anyone wishing to donate, they can do so by going online, texting or in-store at the till at your local Co-op:

  • Visiting online
  • Text COOP to 70787 to donate £10*
  • In-store at the till at your local Co-op (going live tomorrow, Friday 10 February)

ENDS

Media enquiries, please email: pressoffice@coop.co.uk

Notes to editor:

' The DEC registered charity no. 1062638.  ' *All text donations are to the value of £10 plus standard network charge

About Co-op: Co-op is one of the world’s largest consumer co-operatives with interests across food, funerals, insurance and legal services. Owned by millions of UK consumers, the Co-op operates over 2,500 food stores, over 800 funeral homes and provides products to over 5,000 other stores, including those run by independent co-operative societies and through its wholesale business, Nisa Retail Limited.

Employing almost 60,000 people, the Co-op has an annual turnover of over £11billion and is a recognised leader for its social goals and community-led programmes. The Co-op exists to meet members’ needs and stand up for the things they believe in.