Co-op offers advice and things to do for VE Day celebrations

Central England Co-op is urging people in Yorkshire to mark VE Day by staying safe and enjoying an indoor, rather than outdoor street party.

To mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day, millions of people planned to head out into their communities and enjoy street parties as part of the special bank holiday.

However, the Coronavirus outbreak now means people have to get creative and find ways to mark the occasion in their home or garden.

Colleagues from Central England Co-op food stores are today taking the opportunity to encourage people to stay home unless absolutely necessary this VE Day as they work to provide food and essentials for their communities.

They have been going above and beyond to support their communities as the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic continues to alter the public’s day to day lives by ensuring food stores remain open and stocked with food and vital essentials.

Tom Robson, Store Manager at Holmfirth Central England Co-op Food Store, said: “We are proud to serve our local community during these unprecedented times, ensuring they have their food and essentials.

“We all understand the significance of these celebrations and the fact that it is a bank holiday, but we urge people to only leave home for vital essentials or for their daily exercise.

“It might be tempting to visit friends and family or even to hold a street party, but to help keep us all safe and healthy please stay safe and enjoy VE Day celebrations in your home or garden.

“I have to leave my home this bank holiday – you don’t have to. Stay home, protect front line workers and save lives.”

Central England Co-op has also produced a special downloadable VE Day themed colouring sheet to help keep youngsters entertained.

Funeralcare has been on hand to support the families of heroes who fought for their country during the past 75 years.

On VE Day, colleagues in over 130 Funeral Homes will be taking part in the planned two-minute silence to honour all those they had the privilege of taking on their final journey.

To download the sheet or find out more about Central England Co-op’s work in the community at this time, visit: www.centralengland.coop/updates