Scotmid Co-operative members and customers have donated £22,000 to the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) Venezuela Earthquake Appeal in just four weeks through the retailer’s Pennies digital micro-donation scheme.
The appeal was launched following two earthquakes in Venezuela that caused widespread destruction and left thousands dead or injured. DEC charities and local partners are providing emergency shelter, food, clean water and medical care to affected communities.
Members and customers were able to add a 10p donation to card and digital wallet payments at Scotmid stores across Scotland, Northern Ireland and the north of England.
The retailer said thousands of individual donations combined to raise £22,000 during the appeal period, highlighting the impact of small donations collected at the till.
Karen Scott, Chief Executive of Scotmid Co-operative, said: “Raising £22,000 in just four weeks is a fantastic achievement and shows the collective impact that optional donations at the till can have when members and customers are given a simple way to support urgent causes.
“We’re incredibly grateful to every member and customer who chose to donate. Each 10p donation contributes to something much bigger and, together, our members and customers have made a significant contribution to the DEC appeal and the vital work it supports.
“As a co-operative retailer, we believe our stores can play an important role in bringing people together around the causes that matter. It has been heartening to see that spirit reflected by our members and customers as part of the wider UK response to this emergency.”
Scotmid rolled out the Pennies digital micro-donation service across its stores in 2025, enabling shoppers to support charitable causes through optional contributions at the checkout.
