Grantham Co-op stores celebrate good causes with bumper donation

Co-op stores across Grantham held a celebration day as they donated money to a variety of deserving causes.

Stores in Dysart Road, Princess Drive, Ancaster and the Co-op Funeralcare Grantham branch donated a total of £16,989 to three local causes; Harrowby Lane Methodist Church, Parkinson’s UK Grantham Branch and Sleaford Museum, on Saturday.

Representatives from the Harrowby Lane Methodist Church were invited into the Co-op branch on Princess Drive to receive their cheque for £5,436.

Parkinson’s UK Grantham Branch received £6,237 and collected their cheque from the Co-op store on Dysart Road, and Sleaford Museum, who received £5,317, collected their cheque from the Co-op in Ancaster.

The funds were raised through the Co-op’s membership scheme, where one per cent of Co-op branded products purchased by Co-op members goes to a local cause. Sales from carrier bags also go into the pot.

Members can then choose which of the three causes they would like to support with their one per cent.

Each of the three causes were given the opportunity to talk to customers about what they will do with their donation.

Stephen Caughtry, manager at Dysart Road Co-op, said: “It is a great scheme to get involved in and a chance for our stores to give back to the community.

“It’s also good for our customers to see how their one per cent will be spent.”

Sue Barnes, the treasurer at the Harrowby Lane Church, was delighted with the donation.

She said: “The funds will be used for our outdoor garden project, which is aimed at engaging with the local community more.

“We will be digging up outside and plan to make it wheelchair and pushchair accessible. We will also be putting in raised planters and ground level planters for fruit and vegetables.

“We want to encourage the local community to come and grow their own produce and give them a chance to meet like-minded people. Our future plans also include a play area.”