Co-op cash boost for Rushden Sea Cadets

Rushden Sea Cadets is one of seven good causes to share nearly £8,000 to tackle Covid-19 related problems thanks to the Co-op.

Central England Co-op has handed out nearly £8,000 to seven charities and good causes as part of its revamped Community Dividend Fund aimed at providing quick funding boosts to help those impacted by the Coronavirus outbreak.

The recipients include Rushden Sea Cadets, who have been given £360 to pay for first aid training for volunteers.

David Pickles, chairman of Rushden Sea Cadets trustees, said: “At Rushden Sea Cadets we pride ourselves on being able to offer local youngsters a great headstart in life.

"As a charity, we rely on volunteers to enable us to do this and the past year has been extremely challenging for all of us.

"This grant will allow us to get some essential first aid training for our new volunteers, meaning very soon we will be able to get more youngsters out on the water, sailing, windsurfing, kayaking and generally having fun outdoors.”

Normally, grants from the fund are handed out four times a year to a wide range of organisations but, during the coming months, it has been decided to hand grants out on a monthly basis to support those suffering financial hardship due to the pandemic and others looking to step in to help those affected.

Organisations in Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Northamptonshire, Worcestershire and Norfolk have benefited from a grant.

All applicants, regardless of their success, are all given Co-op vouchers to help support their great work in the community.

Therefore, a total of 27 applicants shared just over £8,000 when taking into account full grants and vouchers awarded.

Jim Watts, society secretary, said: “In response to the current crisis, we made some changes to our Community Dividend Fund scheme to provide immediate financial support for local good causes, community groups and charities who are responding to some of the most worrying impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Community Dividend Fund grants showcase how by being a member and shopping at your local Central England Co-op store allows us as a Society to continue to invest and fund vital projects in the area – especially during uncertain times like these.

“We are delighted to have been able to support these amazing causes and help them make a difference in our communities.”

To apply, members will need name, address, membership number, organisation type, organisation bank account or constitution and to explain what the group does, how the grant will be spent and the specific impact it will have related to Coid-19.

People can find out the full criteria and how to apply for funding by clicking here.

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