Co-op donates £2,000 to Corby, Desborough and Rothwell charities

Central England Co-op has donated £2,000 to Northants charities in Corby, Desborough and Rothwell.

The supermarket chain has made the donations through its Community Dividend Fund and is supporting those who have been affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

Home-Start Corby has been given £1,000 to help continue its support of families with young children.

The Vine Community Trust in Desborough, which runs a meals on wheels service, and Rothwell Citizen's Welfare Committee, which runs a food bank, are getting £500 each to buy food.

Lynda Cosgrove, from the Vine Community Trust, said: "We were so pleased to hear we had been awarded £500 worth of vouchers.

"This will allow us to redeem them for goods and deliver them on the meals on wheels rounds to cheer our clients up."

Carol Sandall, chairman of trustees at Home-Start Corby, said: "It means a great deal to our organisation to feel we have the active support of the community through the Central England Co-op Community Dividend Fund.

"We are well known in Corby and members of the public and our local volunteers will be pleased to know that Central England Co-op, through this grant, has acknowledged the great support our team of staff, trustees and volunteers has been able to give to young families through these difficult times."

The Co-op usually gives out grants just four times a year to a wide range of organisations, but this year it decided to give money on a monthly basis to charities supporting those affected by the pandemic.

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 for the Community Dividend Fund, visit the Co-op website here.

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