Since the start of the pandemic, we’ve seen community become a key focus. From clapping for the NHS to checking in on neighbours and everything in between, the pandemic has brought people together and we hope that this mentality is here to stay. At Coles, community has always been at the heart of everything we do, and we’re pleased to say we’ve supported numerous sports clubs, schools, venues, and charities. Today we wanted to talk about our work in the community, and the organisations that are doing wonderful things to support those of all ages.Charity first
The lack of social events has had an impact on not-for-profit associations in the community, particularly churches and charities. Whilst many churches were able to maintain services virtually, fundraising opportunities plummeted. For St Augustine’s Church in Rumney, this delayed the hope of replacing its ageing electronic organ with a new digital one. The aim is to raise £80,000 for a state-of-the-art console by Romsey Organworks to support its growing choir. With the church located just around the corner from our branch in Rumney, we were delighted to donate to its organ fund and get the church closer to its goal. If you would like to support this cause, please visit https://wentloogministryarea.churchsuite.co.uk/donate/fund/7umtt3gz
Also affected were our charity partners, City Hospice. With a lack of opportunities to raise money, we launched a fundraising campaign called #CreateShareRemember. This saw us reach out to our community, asking them to share photos of treasured memories that will form the ‘Bigger Picture’ – a bespoke piece of artwork by Nathan Wyburn which we are excited to reveal in Bute Park this August. There’s still time to be a part of this exclusive opportunity, so for more information visit https://coles.stationrd-hosting.co.uk/the-bigger-picture/Â
Sporting spirit
Local sports clubs are so important for building confidence, developing friendships, and improving the physical health of young people. We also recognise that to thrive, they need support from businesses like ourselves. So, we presented a full kit sponsorship to Whitchurch RFC for the team’s home kit, and Llanrumney RFC Under 11’s. Since then, we have also sponsored Whitchurch AFC, Canton Rovers FC Under 11’s, Llandaff RFC Juniors, Fairwater RFC and Heath Park Rangers Under 8’s.
But it’s not just youth clubs that need support. Whitchurch Hospital Bowls club, for example, consists of 40+ members, many of whom are previous NHS employees and over the age of 70. Bowls is a social yet skilful sport which helps to maintain activity levels for those who cannot take part in more physical sports. As a non-profit club, much of its financial support comes from match raffles, post-match refreshments and fundraising events. However, with none of this possible due to restrictions over the past year, we are pleased to have been able to provide kit sponsorship for them, as well as organise a much-needed team photo session to support any ongoing promotion.
Getting social
Donations don’t always come in monetary form, but instead, something much more sought after – chocolate! Whilst the Easter Bunny tries its best to deliver treats to children everywhere, sometimes Coles must lend a helping hand. That’s why every year, we supply delicious Easter Eggs to Sunday schools in our community so that the local churches don’t have to reach into their pockets. It’s a pleasure to see so many happy faces and we hope to keep this tradition going for many more years to come.
Speaking of happy faces, we’re sure that many of you will still have fond memories of your school fair. From food stalls to face painting, what’s not to enjoy?  We like to help form these special moments, which is why we donated the first, second and third prizes for the duck race at Birchgrove Primary School. Situated just over 100 yards away from our Birchgrove branch, our relationship with the school continues to grow, and they were the first to complete our Education Programme last year too.
Cardiff outdoors
The pandemic has taught us is how valuable being outdoors can be for our wellbeing. Some businesses may be gradually migrating back to the office, but one thing that will be hard to shake is the benefit that a mindful walk, away from the desk, can bring. At the Birchgrove office, our nearest green space is Llwynfedw Gardens, a pristinely kept grassy area, open to the public but maintained by the Friends of Llwynfedw Gardens. With an interesting historical background (did you know that some of the trees there have been around since the 1950s?), the committee wanted to make the features of the garden widely known and to encourage visitors, so Coles recently funded a brochure to help make this happen.
We’re firm believers that without community, nothing would be possible. That is why we want to show our support, giving back wherever we can, particularly during these challenging times.
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