Co-operative Group

The Co-operative Group has much in common with Oxfam. We both advocate decent working and living conditions for people in developing countries. We both campaign for a better deal for producers - and you can't fail to notice the prominent display of the Fair Trade ideal in our respective high street outlets.

Recycling

The Co-operative’s recycling scheme for mobile phones and inkjet cartridges has raised an amazing £260,000 for Oxfam. The scheme has been running in Co-operative Group food stores since 2004, has expanded to Co-operative Travel and Pharmacy outlets and more recently to branches of The Co-operative Bank.

Kirstie Hawkins, Co-operative Group Environment Adviser, says: “For us, it’s a win-win situation. Doing more for the environment is one of our ongoing objectives and we’re really pleased to be able to do this and support Oxfam at the same time.”

The scheme is incredibly simple, it’s free and easy to do, and everyone can take part. All people need to do is pick up a freepost envelope at any participating outlet, and use it to post their old mobile or inkjet cartridge to Oxfam.

The Co-operative Bank

Oxfam's partnership with The Co-operative Bank began in 1994, with the launch of the Oxfam credit card.

Every time someone opens an account, Oxfam receives a £15 donation as well as a percentage of the total amount spent on that card every year. It doesn’t cost the cardholder anything – just by using this card when they buy groceries or book a holiday, cardholders are helping entire communities around the world to escape from poverty.

To date, more than £3 million has been raised by the initiative – making a significant difference to Oxfam’s programmes around the world.

Find out more or apply here