COMMUNITY groups and primary schools across Teesdale are thousands of pounds better off, thanks to the dale’s Co-op stores.
The scheme donates 2p for every £1 of what customers spend on selected Co-op products. Shoppers decide which local good causes to support.
Over the past six years, £117million has been given out nationally as part of the scheme. Last week just under £14,000 was handed over in Teesdale to nine groups in the latest round of fundraising.
In Barnard Castle, the stores in Horsemarket and at the garage raised cash for the Friends of Montalbo School (FOMS), which received £1,177.22, Green Lane School £1,222.10 and Barnard Castle Youth Football Club £1,277.13.
Montalbo School’s headteacher Chris Minikin said: “We are going to create a jungle in the Polytunnel with exotic plants that would work in a tropical environment.”
Green Lane School teacher Melissa Mullery said the money will go towards creating a garden retreat area for pupils and parents.
At Cockfield’s Co-op, Evenwood Cricket Club got £1,282.06 with the YMCA receiving £1,366.17 and Cockfield Primary School £1,524.85.
In Middleton-in-Teesdale, the Pathway picked up a cheque for £2,013.50, Dawn til Dusk Nursery received £2,129.27 and the Rainbows got £1,935.92.
Applications for the next round of funding will open in spring 2023. Any non-profit group can apply but the project needs to either bring people together to access food, help improve mental wellbeing, creates opportunities for young people to be heard or protect local biodiversity.
For more information visit https://causes.coop.co.uk/terms-and-conditions
