Co-op fund spreads £50k of local cheer

A WAR chest that supports local organisations has contributed nearly £50,000 across the Lothians this year, it has emerged.

The Co-operative’s Community Fund said it had supported 35 groups across the area, signalling another successful year for the scheme.

The initiative sees Co-op group members volunteering to donate some, or all, of their twice-yearly dividend payments for the sake of local good causes.

Regional secretary for Scotland Gerard Hill said: “Because the Co-operative is owned by its members, they get a share in any of the profits we make. Members can choose to keep the cash or donate all, or part of their share, to local causes.

“It’s a scheme we’re very proud of, not only because it gives us the chance to thank members for shopping with us, but because so many people do choose to give something back to the local community.”