Improving communities as you shop

Co-op Members are helping build an all-weather sports pitch

Bookham Colts Football Club B are not only stars of Co-op’s Halloween TV ad, they are also one of thousands of local causes across the UK that will benefit from Co-op Members’ support.

When Co-op Members buy selected Co-op branded products and services – anything from a loaf of bread to a funeral plan – 1%* of what they spend goes to a local cause that they get to choose.

Effingham Village Recreational Trust are a Co-op local cause, who want to turn an existing tennis court into a 3G sports facility that the whole local community can enjoy. The new facility will be used by local teams like Bookham Colts Football Club, who are based near Leatherhead in Surrey. They provide football for children between the ages of six and 18 and a new all-weather sports facility, using artificial grass, will mean the teams can play come rain or shine. Mike Creffield, chairman of the Bookham Colts, says the support has been invaluable.

He said, “Our club is about so much more than football. Here, children have the opportunity to make friends, develop leadership skills, and grow in confidence. At the moment, our teams train in parks and on playing fields, but during the winter months we’re limited by bad weather and fewer daylight hours. Our own facility will mean the children can play outdoors, in a safe, floodlit environment. We can’t wait for work to start next year.”

As well as contributing 1% to a cause, members also get an additional 5%* back into their online Membership account to spend at Co-op. So not only does your community benefit, but you do too.