Independent regional co-operative runs children’s design competition to produce limited-edition shopper bags, with £10,000 of profits going to its Community Cares Fund
The bags, priced at £1 and available across all East of England Co-op stores, are the result of a competition run in-store last summer, which invited children aged 4–11 to submit designs on the theme of kindness and caring for others.
Six winning designs were selected from entries submitted at local branches across Suffolk, Essex, and Norfolk, with store teams choosing their local winner.
Andy Rigby, chief executive at the East of England Co-op, said: “As a retailer in the heart of our communities, we appreciate the difference that acts of kindness and caring can make. Seeing the good in our community makes me feel hopeful for the future and our young people represent this spirit of positivity in particular.
“Every competition entry we saw put a smile on our faces and these six winners are just amazing. We’re really proud to be sharing their designs and hopeful messages with our members and customers. We hope that every time someone sees one in our stores and communities it will brighten their day.”
Customers can choose from three different bags, with two designs on each bag.£10,000 of profits from bag sales will go directly to the retailer’s Community Cares Fund, which supports charities making a difference in local communities across the East of England.
Teddy Johnson, now age 9, whose winning design was shortlisted at the Needham Market Hurstlea Road branch in Suffolk, said: “I hope when people see it, they’ll be kind because it’s got kind words on.”
Branch manager Jackie Mayes said: “Teddy’s design feels joyful, positive, and full of heart, exactly the kind of message that lifts a whole community.”
Gracie Glen, now age 11, whose winning entry was chosen at the Manningtree branch in Essex, said she drew her design because she wanted it “to make people feel happy about themselves.”
Branch manager Paul Bates said: “Gracie’s design was one of the first that came in and it immediately stood out. I think our customers will love the colour and message.”
The six winners are:
- Teddy Johnson, age 8. Hurstlea Road East of England Co-op in Needham Market, Suffolk.
- Corban, age 8. Walton East of England Co-op in Felixstowe, Suffolk.
- Myla Matacz, age 5. Barking Road East of England Co-op in Needham Market, Suffolk.
- Gracie Glen, age 10. Manningtree East of England Co-op, Essex.
- Charlotte Heslop, age 9 ¾. Connaught Avenue East of England Co-op in Frinton-on-Sea, Essex.
- Isabel Miles, age 9. Wymondham East of England Co-op in Norfolk.
*Ages correct at time of competition win
