Costa Coffee has announced a range of activities to continue its support and love of Pride throughout 2022.
This year, Costa Coffee will team up with Switchboard LGBT+ Helpline, one of the United Kingdom’s oldest LGBT+ charities, to create a special limited-edition designed reusable waffle cup.
“We are thrilled to be continuing our partnership with Switchboard LGBT+ Helpline, supporting the amazing work they do and honoured to be an official partner of Brighton & Hove Pride 2022,” says Niki Coppard-Brooks, Costa Coffee United Kingdom and Ireland People Director.
Available in selected Costa Coffee stores and online, £1 (about US$1.26) from every sale will be donated to Switchboard LGBT+ Helpline.
Since 2019, Costa Coffee has raised more than £130,000 (about USD$163,754) for Switchboard, which has helped its support service be there for over 48,000 conversations across phone, instant messenger, and email.
For the first time, Costa Coffee will be an official partner of Brighton & Hove Pride 2022, which runs from 5 to 7 August. Costa Coffee will have a pop-up store situated in Preston Park, England, alongside its own tent, which will host several community experiences and other entertainment throughout the day.
“The Pride Parade is an incredible experience and an important moment for our Costa Coffee team members to celebrate what makes each of us unique and showcase the inclusive environment we have built,” says Coppard-Brooks.
Costa Coffee will bring photo opportunities, espresso martini happy hour, and its full summer drinks menu of frappes and iced coffees, ready to drink range, and new Costa Express self-service ice machines.
“For many LGBTQIA+ people living in the UK there are still many challenges and fears to be faced on a daily basis. Each year Switchboard has more than 15,000 conversations with people in need of someone to talk to,” says Stephanie Fuller, General Manager at Switchboard LGBT+ Helpline.
“Costa Coffee shares our belief that everyone should feel comfortable to be their true self, whether in the workplace or elsewhere, and we are incredibly excited to partner with them to raise funds to help us continue our work.”
To find out more about Costa Coffee’s inclusion and diversity work and Shine network visit www.costa.co.uk/behind-the-beans/people/inclusion-and-diversity