Co-op cash is a timely boost for '˜champions'

A village play area and Stanhope Hall in Horncastle are the two latest good causes to benefit from the Lincolnshire Co-op's Community Champions scheme.
Just champion:  Joy Rodwell, Marie Newmarch ,  Donna Goddard  (Lincolnshire Co-op) and Bill AronJust champion:  Joy Rodwell, Marie Newmarch ,  Donna Goddard  (Lincolnshire Co-op) and Bill Aron
Just champion: Joy Rodwell, Marie Newmarch , Donna Goddard (Lincolnshire Co-op) and Bill Aron

Cheques for £700 were handed over to representatives of the Hemingby Play Area and Stanhope Hall at the Co-op’s store in High Street, Horncastle, last Thursday.

Play Area representatives Marie Newmarch and Joy Rodwell said the money would be be used to fund improvements - including safety features.

Marie said: “We’re very grateful to the Co-op - and its customers.

“The money will make a big difference to us and means we will be able to go ahead with the improvements we’d planned.

“Hopefully, we will be able to buy some new equipment and also make the play area safer for children.”

Bill Aron, chairman of trustees at Stanhope Hall, also thanked the Co-op.

He said the money would also be put towards improvements.

Mr Aron added: “It has come at the perfect time for us. We’ve just finished fitting new units in a kitchen area and this will help us finish the room off.

“On behalf of the trustees, I’d like to thank the Co-op.

“The Community Champions scheme is a terrific way of helping local organisations.”

The Community Champions scheme is the Co-op’s way of giving back to local communities.

The Co-op launched the scheme in 2013 and since then it has helped hundreds of local charities and community groups, raising amounts from £200 to almost £90,000.

Community Champions are voted for by staff and members and they are chosen for a three month period.

Every time a Co-op customer uses a dividend card a donation is made to the nominated community champion.

The Co-op also adds in any other fundraising efforts during the three month period, and proceeds from carrier bag charges.

Since its launch, the scheme has raised more than £320,000 and helped 579 charities and other good causes in the Lincolnshire Co-op region.