THE CO-OPERATIVE SIGNS AS TITLE SPONSOR OF VARIETY CLUB SHOWBIZ AWARDS

The Co-operative has signed as title sponsor of The Variety Club Showbiz Awards which take place on 14th November this year. The partnership is an extension of its current relationship with the charity which already includes selling Gold Heart badges in Co-operative stores across the country as well as other fund raising initiatives.

The sponsorship will include the naming rights of a new award to the event – The Co-operative Inspirational Young Talent Award. Customers will be encouraged to vote through an online and in-store campaign, from four ‘inspirational’ nominees – JLS, Dr Who’s Matt Smith, Diane Vickers or Diversity, with the talent receiving the most votes collecting their award on the night.

The partnership will also include broadcast coverage of the event on Channel FIVE, including bespoke idents aired during the show, red carpet and podium branding as well as sponsor mentions during the awards show.
Liz Matkin, The Co-operative’s Head of Sponsorship, said, “Taking title sponsorship of The Variety Club Showbiz Awards is a natural extension for The Co-operative. We have partnered with The Variety Club since July 2009 which has already seen a number of successful campaigns including the recent Gold Hearts appeal with Alesha Dixon as the face of the badges and the donation of a number of Sunshine Coaches to schools across the UK who really need help. We’re looking forward to being part of the Showbiz Awards this year.”

John Sachs, Chairman of The Variety Club Showbiz Awards, added: “The Showbiz Awards are a significant event for The Variety Club in terms of raising awareness of our charity. We’re privileged to get the support of so many celebrities in attendance on the night and are delighted to be able to honour the most talented individuals from the world of entertainment. We’re very excited that The Co-operative has extended our relationship by taking title sponsorship this year – together we can continue our great work and we will make a huge difference to so many children, young people and their families.”