The event brought together over 30 volunteers who helped collect and organise more than 300 kindly donated gifts from Co-op and Trust colleagues to ensure they reach the academies and communities where they are needed the most.

Recognising that the holiday season can be a challenging time for some families and children in our academies, the Trust’s Community team, spearheaded by Liz Garrity, Head of Community Development, arranged an opportunity for colleagues to donate gifts.

The day was filled with holiday spirit, complete with Christmas music, mince pies, and plenty of teamwork as gifts were donated throughout the morning and afternoon.

Keela Walsh from the Co-op Community & Member Participation Team played a pivotal role, promoting the event internally among Co-op colleagues and arranging festive refreshments.

She said: "Co-op colleagues came together to donate Christmas gifts to spread joy and kindness during the holiday season, reminding ourselves and others of the true spirit of giving. Together, we can make a positive impact in our academy communities and bring smiles to those who need it most.”

The Community Team began sourcing gifts for their Christmas campaign in August, securing donations through strong collaborations from Dunelm, Cash for Kids Mission Christmas, The Salvation Army and Co op stores on the Wirral who have also been collecting in-store for families and academies in the local community.

Will Goodrum, Regional Community Manager for West Yorkshire, said: "It was inspiring to witness Co-op Academies Trust and Co-op come together to generously donate Christmas presents. This act of kindness will bring joy to many in our communities."

The Trust’s Community Team have now been in post for over a year and in that time have established strong local links in their regions and also throughout the Trust via their team of Academy Community Pioneers (ACPs) which is growing each month with 34 ACPs now in post.