Co-op members in Stockton helped raise £29,000 for three local causes. Every time members shopped at the Co-op, bought selected own brand products they earned 5% members’ rewards back to spend as they wish and a further 1% was donated to their chosen charity. Nationally the Co-op donated £20 million to over 4,000 causes in Round 3 (2017/18).
Steve McGowan, Norton Co-op store manager, said: “It’s part of the Co-op’s ethos to support the local community. The Co-op is owned by its members and it’s important that the members and their community benefit from that. We do a lot of charity fundraising in store and we raise awesome amounts. As manager, it is my mission to ensure everyone who comes through our doors benefits from Co-op membership.”
Clockwise: Steve McGowan, Co-op Norton Store manager with Angela Dee , Community Fundraiser Daisy Chain, Rob Capron, Norton & Stockton Ancients Jnrs, Ruth Benson, Special Needs Activities with Parents Support (SNAPS) Tees Valley presenting the Michael Benson Award.
Daisy Chain (a haven for families affected by autism)
Received £10,800 some of which has already been used for water tanks and pipes etc. for recycling and the local Co-op has promised ongoing support with donations in the future.
Angela Dee said: “It was a real privilege to have been chosen to benefit from the Co-op’s Local Community Fund and to be awarded such a fantastic amount. We support families affected by autism in the Tees Valley and as a local charity we depend on the community to support us.”
To find out more, visit – www.daisychainproject.co.uk
Norton & Stockton Ancients Jnrs (sports club)
Received £9,220 which has been spent on 2 defibrillators (one that is accessible to the public), and gone towards upgrading the flood lights and replacing 14 goal sets.
Rob Capron said: “Building upon our relationship with Co-op Norton we decided to apply to be a Round 3 Local Cause. The application process was self-explanatory and only took about half an hour to do on-line. If any charities are thinking of applying- do it, I recommend it. Co-op really is interested in the local community and has been very supportive. The girls and boys also did bag packing in the Co-op Norton store to raise extra funds.”
Co-op Norton Store Manager, Steve Mc Gowan said: “We are pleased to sponsor the football team.
SNAPS Tees Valley (Special Needs Activities with Parents Support)
Received £9,007 and will be using the money to continue to support families by providing term time, weekend and holiday activities for all the family with a Child/Young Person/Young Adult with a Disability or Additional Need, a chance to spend quality time together, also with other families in similar circumstances. It will also enable SNAPS volunteers to continue to offer a wide range of information, practical and emotional support to the parents and carers.
Ruth Benson said: “SNAPS found the best part about the relationship with Co-op were the staff at the four stores. Although different they were all friendly, welcoming, enthusiastic, and helpful and pleased to see us, putting their customers at the centre. We are grateful for the opportunities to advertise our charity and overwhelmed by the on-going support.”
To find out more, visit – www.snapsteesvalley.co.uk
Co-op Member Pioneer, Katharine Lam said: “I am new to this role so it was fantastic to meet the Round 3 Local Causes and amazing to hear how much money had been raised! Well done to all concerned and I look forward to working with the Round 4 Causes over the next year believing that we will raise even more money to help support Friends of Ropner Park, Bloodrun EVS and 1st Norton-On-Tees Scout Group.”
Please sign in to your membership account and choose the one that means the most to you, visit – www.coop.co.uk