OurCoop raises more than £500,000 through Pennies partnership

Members and customers across OurCoop have donated more than £500,000 through the Society’s partnership with micro-donations charity Pennies, helping to support local good causes and national charity partner Samaritans.

Formed in January 2026 through the coming together of Central Co-op, The Midcounties Co-operative and Chelmsford Star Co-op, OurCoop is the UK’s largest independent co-operative Society, with more than one million members and almost 500 food stores serving communities across the UK.

The milestone reflects the growing impact of small everyday donations made at the till, with members and customers choosing to round up or add a few pence to their purchases to support charities and local projects.

The Pennies partnership builds on a long-standing commitment to member-led community support across OurCoop, helping members and customers support causes that matter most to them through nominations or simple acts of giving.

More than £400,000 raised through the partnership has supported Samaritans, the Society’s national charity partner chosen by members following nearly 17,000 member votes.

The funding helps Samaritans continue providing free, round-the-clock emotional support to anyone struggling to cope, while also helping recruit and train volunteers and support local branches across the UK and Ireland.

Alongside this, more than £100,000 has supported regional and local community causes, helping grassroots groups continue delivering vital support across communities in the UK.

Hannah Gallimore, Social Change Manager at OurCoop, said: “Reaching £500,000 in donations in partnership with Pennies is an incredible milestone and a powerful example of what can happen when lots of small acts of kindness come together.

“Our members and customers care deeply about supporting their communities and the causes that matter most to them. Pennies give people a simple way to make a difference during everyday shopping trips, and collectively those small donations are creating meaningful impact for local organisations and Samaritans.

“As a co-operative, community support is at the heart of who we are. This milestone highlights the generosity of our members, customers and colleagues right across OurCoop.”

Alison Hutchinson CBE, CEO at Pennies, said: "We’re really proud to see the impact OurCoop members and customers are creating through Pennies micro-donations. Every digital penny donated represents a small moment of generosity that adds up to something meaningful for charities and communities. Reaching more than £500,000 raised is an incredible achievement and demonstrates the power of collective giving.

“Just seven minutes of micro-donations made by OurCoop customers could help Samaritans ensure a Samaritan Volunteer is there to answer a life-saving call for help from someone struggling to cope - showing how even the smallest donations can make a real difference."

The Pennies partnership forms part of OurCoop’s wider community strategy, which includes support for more than 1,000 local good causes, employability programmes, foodbank partnerships and member-led community funding initiatives.