Co-op launches ‘cool’ way to help change lives with ice-cube sales funding clean water projects around the world in partnership with The One Foundation
21 June 2024
Co-op has today (Friday, 21 June) introduced a ‘cool’ way for shoppers to make a difference and help change lives with sales of its own brand ice-cubes now funding clean water projects around the world in partnership with The One Foundation.
The convenience retailer has worked with The One Foundation for more than 15 years, donating 3p per litre from sales of Co-op branded water and raising more than £20 million to help change the lives of millions of people around the world - bringing access to safe, clean drinking water for rural and urban communities and responding to humanitarian emergencies.
The same amount will now be donated from sales of its own-brand ice cubes in its own stores and those of participating independent co-operative societies and NISA.
The move builds on the long-standing relationship with The One Foundation, and it is estimated that a further £150,000 per annum will be raised through Co-op branded ice cube sales to support clean water projects.
Incredibly, there are more than 700 million people globally who lack access to safe, clean, drinking water, including 115 million people who collect untreated surface water from lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams*. More than 1,000 children aged under five die each day from illnesses caused by unsafe water and sanitation.
The One Foundation invests the funds raised across two key sectors, currently focused in Rwanda, Ghana, Malawi and Kenya: implementing large scale urban water systems and handpump repair in rural communities. And, responding to humanitarian emergencies worldwide.
Emily Pearce, Co-op’s senior sustainable sourcing and international development manager, said: “We recognise that water is the most precious resource and essential for a secure future – yet access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene is all too often taken for granted and, devastatingly, remains elusive for many. More than £20 million has already been raised through our commitments. This is an incredible achievement which has directly changed 3 million lives, and has been made possible through choices made by our member-owners and customers, plus customers of independent co-operative society stores and NISA. The addition of donations from sales of our own branded ice cubes will further support this vital work - choosing our water and ice cubes is a fantastic example of how shopping at Co-op really can make a difference.”
Co-op is one of the world’s largest consumer-owned co-operatives. Its member-owners own the business and play an intrinsic part in the governance of the organisation, enjoying a wide number of benefits. More information about Co-op membership is available by visiting www.coop.co.uk/membership
The One Foundation vision is a world in which everyone has access to clean and safe water, forever – for more information visit: theonefoundation.org.uk
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Images:
- New ice cube pack design
- Mavis and her family live in cocoa growing communities in rural Ashanti, Ghana. Co-op are working with The One Foundation and WSUP (Water & Sanitation for the Urban Poor) to improve access to safe water and sanitation services in communities and schools across the Ashanti region of Ghana.
*Source: 5 Million Lives Changed - One Water
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 almost 2,400 food stores, over 800 funeral homes and provides products to over 6,000 other stores, including those run by independent co-operative societies and through its wholesale business, Nisa Retail Limited. Employing 56,000 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.
Further information:
Andrew Torr
Senior Press Officer, Co-op Press Office
M: 07702505551
E: andrew.torr@coop.co.uk / pressoffice@coop.co.uk