Coop Italia's Flood Relief Campaign Raises Over 2 Million Euros

2,190,736 euros is the overall result of the fundraising initiated by consumer co-operatives in mid-May following the flood. The campaign, which concluded at the end of June, saw the participation of over 81,000 donors and the funds will be partly used to support the co-operatives affected by the flood and for reconstruction efforts in coordination with the relevant authorities.

The fundraising initiated by consumer co-operatives in mid-May after the flood resulted in a total of 2,190,736 euros. Over 81,000 donors participated in the campaign, including members, employees, customers, and co-operative suppliers. The first step of the fundraising was an immediate allocation of 1 million euros by all consumer co-operatives, followed by a solidarity campaign in all retail outlets to involve their members and customers. Donations were collected at cash registers and through a dedicated bank account.

In addition to the fundraising efforts, co-operative employees also supported their colleagues by donating working hours and vacation days, raising 530,274 euros specifically for this purpose. The remaining funds from the fundraising will be allocated with a dual objective. Firstly, they will support other co-operatives (agricultural, production, and processing, etc.) affected by the flood. Secondly, they will contribute to the reconstruction efforts in coordination with the relevant authorities.

"We are satisfied with the results of the solidarity campaign," declares Marco Pedroni, President of ANCC-Coop (National Association of Consumer Co-operatives). "It is a further demonstration of how the world of consumer co-operatives knows how to respond in moments of great hardship; we have always done so in other situations, both on an international emergency level and in our country. Now, we look forward with confidence to the reconstruction efforts that can be activated thanks to the contribution of members, employees, and consumers."

Read more here