Co-op supports BillyChip

BILLYCHIP,the homeless support charity, has received a massive boost from Central Coop, which has adopted the scheme across its 250-plus stores in the Midlands, Yorkshire and the East of England. The scheme allows customers to buy £2 BillyChip tokens for homeless people, who can exchange them for food and drink at any Central Co-op store. l Southern Co-op members have donated £75,000 to support foodbanks across the area, including Fair Frome.

The tokens were due to be made available from March 27th, marking the fifth anniversary of the death of Billy Abernethy-Hope, from Bishop Sutton, who came up with the idea before his death in a motorcycle accident.

His sister, Meg Abernethy-Hope, co-founder of the charity, said: "BillyChip is about giving someone who is sleeping rough compassion, connection, and choice.

“We are so proud to be partnering with Central Co-op, a business we know is built around supporting its community. This is an incredible partnership and we are beyond excited to see where it will take us in the future."

Hannah Gallimore, Social Change Manager at Central Coop, said: "BillyChip is such a simple way to spread kindness to those who need it, and we are pleased we can make that possible in our stores.

“We have seen the great work that BillyChip is already doing, and we're always keen to support kind initiatives that make a real difference, especially as times get tougher for everyone."

Lenka Grimes, Fair Frome co-ordinator, said: "Fair Frome Food Bank is seeing an increase in the numbers of people accessing their services, with the cost-of-living crisis and rise in food costs.

"Many Families are struggling to pay fuel bills and 40% of those coming are in work but on low wages that don't cover their bills.”