HEART OF ENGLAND CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETY ENJOY CHRISTMAS GIVEAWAY

Christmas had come early at the Heart of England Co-operative Society after 40 members of staff were presented with luxury hampers packed with a range of festive goodies.

The giveaway is a first for the Society and it was organised in place of the staff Christmas party as the majority of staff found it difficult to make the Christmas party due to late shifts, and with others having to travel to Nuneaton from across the trading area of Coventry, Warwickshire, south Leicestershire and Northamptonshire, the Christmas party was starting to see dwindling numbers.

So with fewer employees able to participate in the festivities it was agreed a Christmas hamper draw, open to every member of staff would be a fairer way to involve more people.

Employees from all Divisions – Food, Non-Food, Funerals and Non-Retail – were among the winners.

One winner, Maureen Quinney, who works at the Society’s Post Office in Bulkington, said: “I thought the hamper giveaway was a good idea. I was quite shocked when I was told I was one of the winners but of course I was absolutely delighted.”

Beverley Pollard, who works at the Coniston Way Lateshop, said: “I thought they were joking when I was informed I had won a hamper. It was nice to win one though as I don’t usually win anything.”

Kim Lawlor, who works in the Ticket Office, added: “The hamper giveaway is a good idea as it means that everyone across the trading area has an equal chance of winning, whereas with the Christmas party there may be employees from across the trading areas who would not necessarily find it easy to come to Nuneaton.”

Peter Gooderidge, of Nuneaton Central, said: “I live with my parents and I am planning to give this hamper to them as it will come as a great help to them at Christmas time.”

And Joseph Morrissey, of the Old Bilton Foodcentre, added: “I am a student at Warwick University. Christmas is an expensive time for everyone, especially students, so this will come in very useful.”

The hampers were presented to colleagues whose names were pulled out in a draw containing all the names of the workforce.

Chief Executive Ali Kurji put the success of the Society down to the loyalty of its staff. He said the hampers were a small token of appreciation to the winning employees.

He said:  “With increasingly busy social diaries and with many members of our staff working different shifts on the evening of the disco there were growing numbers of staff who every year said they found it difficult to make it to the disco.