Macclesfield West Park Co-op presents thousands of pounds to local causes
East Cheshire Hospice, Bollinbrook School and a local scout group were among the beneficiaries.
By Alex Greensmith
Posted: Tuesday, 08th November 2022 4:07 pm
A Macclesfield Co-op has donated almost £6,000 to local causes.
Customers of West Park Drive Co-op helped fundraise £5953 in the past 12 months, which has gone to three Macclesfield causes.
The money was raised via the Co-op's Local Community Fund, where Co-op Members can raise money for charities just by doing their regular shopping.
Each Co-op member can choose where they want they money they have raised to go to, and this year West Park Drive customers have fundraised over:
- £2918.52 for East Cheshire Hospice
- £1571.68 for 3rd Macclesfield Upton Priory Scouts
- £1462.80 for Bollinbrook School
It is part of £117 million Co-op Food members have raised nationwide in the last six years - just through buying Co-op branded products.
3rd Macclesfield Upton Priory Scouts Chair Natalie Trimder revealed how the money will be spent.
"The £1571 that has been donated to us is massive," said Natalie.
"Our hut is in huge need of renovation. So we have to demolish our existing scout building and build a new one.
"The aim is that a new building will used by the community, which can make it a self-funding initiative as well.
"We also want to make the scout hut more accessible for those with disabilities and more energy efficient, so this money will help hugely towards achieving all this.
"Thank you everyone for your support."
Over 120 children benefit from 3rd Macclesfield Upton Scout Group, which meets at their current site on Whiston Street.
East Cheshire Hospice, which provides support for those affected by life-limiting illnesses and their families at its site on Millbank Drive, received the most cash.
Their Corporate Fundraiser Lisa Ball had this to say about the Co-op's Local Community Fund donation.
"We've had a partnership with the Co-op for the last five years now, and an incredible amount has been raised for the Hospice and we are really grateful," she said.
"The five-year total has been close to £20,000, including this new fantastic £2918 donation.
"We need to raise £7,000 a day to keep the Hospice open, so every penny counts.
"In the light of the cost of living crisis and everybody's bills going up, our spontaneous donations are going considerably down.
"So the money we get from organisations like the Co-op are really needed at the moment. Thank you to all Co-op Members who selected money they raised to go to us."
Bollinbrook Primary School, are within walking distance of West Park Drive Co-op, being based on Abbey Road.
They too were elated with the financial support from the Co-op and its members.
Teaching Assistant and Forest School Leader Eva Robinshaw explained how the £1462 will be used.
"This is about three times as much as we thought we would get. This feels absolutely amazing," said Eva.
"We are going to put it to good use by creating another wildlife habitat in our woodland area. We are going to create a pond that the children can enjoy as well.
Sarah Cassie, Chair of the Bollinbrook Primary School PTA, had this to say.
"Thank you very much. Raising that much money ourselves takes a lot of activity and a long time."
The kids of the school have shared their thanks as well by gifting a piece of artwork to the Co-op, which will be on display in the West Park Drive store.
Co-op West Park Drive Manager Chris Rose revealed the good news to the causes by presenting cheques and photo frames with the final total.
"It has been amazing opportunity to meet all the causes and find out what the money will allow them to do," he said.
"Every year we present these funds, although not in person in recent years due to COVID.
"It is always my favourite day of the year to work, absolutely.
"I love working for the Co-op and making a difference in the community."
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. 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 causes.
"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. We have a huge range of local causes you can choose to support.
"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 how much has been raised for them by our members in a year. It is really simple and easy to sign up."
"I love days like today. Every cause told me they are so surprised with how much they have raised, and are really happy that their application was chosen.
"It was really nice to meet face-to-face, with the pandemic it has 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.
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.
See Also: Meet new Co-op Prestbury Store Manager Ryan Brett
Similar payouts also happened at Bollington and Thornton Square Co-op.
Macclesfield Nub News is a FREE online newspaper for all things Macclesfield.
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