Bollington Co-op has donated an astounding amount to local causes.

Customers who are Co-op members and shop at the Wellington Road Co-op Food store have been raising money all year for local causes through their purchases.

Over the last 12 months, the total raised was £9,820.49, and three local causes are to benefit from this staggering amount.

• The Bridgend Centre received £4,199.54
• Pollyanna's Day Nursery received £2,773.26
• Friends of Guiding Prestbury received £2,847.69

The Bridgend Centre staff Manager Rebecca Lea and Anna Hatley Community Worker. (Image - Alexander Greensmith / Macclesfield Nub News)

Becoming a Co-op member costs just £1 and Co-op membership can allow you to raise money for local causes at no extra cost to you.

It is part of £117 million that Co-op Food members have raised nationwide in the last six years - just through buying Co-op branded products. 

Local cause The Bridgend Centre is located on Bollington's 104 Palmerston Street, just down the road from Bollington Co-op.

It is an independent, community-driven charity which shares similar values to the Co-op.

The Bridgend Centre recieved the largest share of the three beneficiaries of Bollington Co-op, as chosen by Co-op Members. (Image - Alexander Greensmith / Macclesfield Nub News)

Rebecca Lea Centre Manager of The Bridgend Centre revealed how the money will be spent.

"We're going to put the money towards a new veranda for our garden," she said. 

"It will allow us to have groups of the community outside and add to our already beautiful outside space. 

"Money will also go towards paying for wood craft classes for vulnerable people in the community. 

From guided walks to charity shops, The Bridgend Centre is at the heart of the local community. So the money will be well spent. (Image - Alexander Greensmith / Macclesfield Nub News)

"We have been a cause for the Co-op on and off for three years. We are very grateful for the Co-op and their members' support. Thank you so much."

Pollyanna's Day Nursery, located inside Prestbury Village Hall on Prestbury's Macclesfield Road, were also elated about their donation.

Manager and Owner Clare Barrett-Bee was over the moon with the £2, 773 presented by the Co-op.

"The money will be spent to improve our outdoor space. We need some new fencing and activity tables", she said.

Pollyanna's Day Nursery Owner and Manager Clare Barrett-Bee (right) with SEN Co-ordinator Kirsty Pegg (left). (Image - Alexander Greensmith / Macclesfield Nub News)

"The children love the outside and will also be very grateful for the improvements. 

"The Co-op have been really helpful, this was the first year they have raised money for us. They contacted me and asked whether I wanted to apply for it. 

"We would like to say a massive thank you to the Co-op Members who chose for the money they raised from their shopping to go to us."

There are 27 children who attend the pre-school, with nine staff working at the site. 

A screen at the checkout even informs customers how much money members have raised for the store's selected causes. (Image - Alexander Greensmith / Macclesfield Nub News)

Bollington Co-op Store Manager David Hiles could not attend the presentation, however, three of his staff members announced the amazing amounts raised on his behalf.

Friends of Guiding Prestbury were not available either, but were delighted with the £2,847.69 raised for them.

Macclesfield Co-op Member Pioneer Louise Little explained how the fundraising works. 

"If you sign up to be a Co-op Member, it will cost you just £1. It has been £1 since the Co-op was first founded in 1863," she said.

The latest round of Co-op's Local Community Fund has supported 4,500 community projects across the country, with causes highlighting that the funding and support is providing a critical life-line for communities during these challenging times. (Image - Alexander Greensmith / Macclesfield Nub News)

"That pound gives you a share in Co-op, as we are a Co-operative. 

"2p of every pound a member spends on Co-op products goes to them, and 2p goes to different charities.

"Half of that going to local causes like today, the other half going national causes to make a big difference to social issues. 

"So on the Co-op app, you can choose where you want the money you raised through your shopping to go to. We have a huge range of local charities you can choose to support. 

Bollington Co-op has a car park, Costa machine and cash machine. (Image - Alexander Greensmith / Macclesfield Nub News)

"The app tells you how much you have personally raised for your chosen cause throughout the year. 

"Every 12 months we present the cause with the money raised for them during the year. It is really simple and easy to sign up."

"It was really nice to meet face-to-face, with the pandemic it had meant events like these had to go online, but to have this relationship with the causes and celebrate the total raised in person together is incredible." 

Co-op membership helps support your local community, with great rewards for you too. When you buy selected Co-op branded products and services, 2p for every pound spent goes to you and the Co-op gives the same to local communities.

Co-op membership costs just £1, and you can earn money off your shop, as well as choosing to give money back to local causes. You can even choose which cause you support, be it from Prestbury, Bollington, Macclesfield or beyond! (Image - Alexander Greensmith / Macclesfield Nub News)

Join the Co-op today online at this webpage or in-store.

To find out more about the Local Community Fund or Co-op Membership click on the red links. 

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