How Bunzl’s generosity is making a difference in our academies
A generous donation of £100,000 worth of kitchen equipment is helping Co-op Academies students learn, play, and create in new ways - thanks to a brilliant partnership between Co-op, Bunzl, and our Trust.
The opportunity came through Co-op’s ongoing support for the Trust and the connections built by Keela Walsh, Co-op Academies Business Partner at Co-op. When Co-op supplier Bunzl offered a huge supply of kitchen items - from pans and trays to boxes and utensils - our Community Team quickly worked to share the donation across all academies. Simon Ashton and Jo Crump from Bunzl were instrumental in making it happen, helping to coordinate and deliver the equipment to schools across the Trust.
From classrooms to playgrounds, our academies have been finding imaginative and practical ways to use the donation!
At Co-op Academy Glebe, Community Pioneer Helen Maybury shared how the equipment has inspired creativity and hands-on learning:
“Oh my gosh, when the order arrived everyone wanted it! We’re using pans as drums on the musical wall for the children outside Early Years and Foundation Stage. Large pizza boxes are being used in Design Technology, and the huge ladles are going to make bee watering holes in the garden.
The clear trays are perfect for science lessons - they let children explore floating and sinking, and learn about sea creatures. They’re a great size for small groups, and because they’re transparent, the children can see everything that’s happening.”
What began as a donation of kitchenware has become a source of curiosity and creativity, transforming lessons and outdoor spaces. The impact has also been practical, helping teachers deliver lessons more efficiently.
Mel Parkin, Food Technology teacher at Co-op Academy Grange, said:
“The donation was very well received. It will help us run our food tech programme more smoothly and allow us to provide for our students with bags and boxes throughout the next few academic years."
Paul Failsworth, Sports Campus Manager, added:
“This will help us stretch our budget as we don’t charge students for Food Tech lessons - we supply everything they need. The equipment provided was excellent. Having the extra boxes and bags will help us do this more efficiently.”
And from Co-op Academy Bebington, Mr Fletcher shared his appreciation:
“Thank you so much to Bunzl and the Community Team for the generous donation of kitchen equipment. I’m absolutely thrilled with the quality of the items we’ve received. We’re looking forward to putting everything to great use!”
This partnership is one of many that highlight the power of collaboration between Co-op, its suppliers, and Co-op Academies Trust. Earlier this year, our partnership with HH Global supported students' learning and wellbeing thanks to donated resources - another great example of how supplier relationships are helping our schools and communities.