Over 100 items were donated to collection boxes for the Priaulx Premature Baby Foundation across three Coop stores in Guernsey, and the scheme will continue due to its success.
Donated items included baby essentials such as nappies and wipes, as well as toiletries for emergency travel packs for parents who are urgently flown to the UK. The products are distributed in Baby Boxes gifted to the Special Care Unit, and in newly introduced ‘Care Packages’ sent to parents at any UK hospital with an unwell baby or child.
To help shoppers at the Coop in Vazon, St Martin’s, or St Sampson’s, stickers mark the items the PPBF needs, and shopping lists are available so islanders can easily identify what to place in dedicated collection bins.
Sara Edmonds, Head of Fundraising at the PPBF says: “It’s exciting to see this partnership grow beyond World Prematurity Month, when we first brought the idea to life. The Coop’s values align closely with ours, with a strong community focus, and this is evident in their willingness to keep working with us. The collection scheme makes it easy for people to support our projects by picking up an item during their weekly shop, while also raising awareness of our cause. A big thank you to the Coop team for their ongoing commitment to local families.”
Mark Cox, CEO of CI Coop, adds: “We’re delighted to see this important initiative continue beyond World Prematurity Month. Supporting the Priaulx Premature Baby Foundation is something we truly value, as community sits at the heart of everything we do at the Coop. This effort brings islanders together to support families navigating the challenges of premature birth, and by simply adding a few extra items to their shop, our members and customers can make a real and meaningful difference. We’re proud to help raise awareness and continue contributing to the PPBF’s vital work.”
The PPBF helps Guernsey families who are going through hospital care for a poorly baby or child. It provides compassionate housing near Southampton Hospital for those referred to the UK, fundraises for equipment for the local Special Care Unit, and offers practical, financial, and emotional support to help families through difficult times.