Good causes pick up early Christmas presents

DOZENS of good causes across Dundee received an early Christmas present this week when the Co-op revealed a £191,000 funding boost.

The money will be shared by 76 organisations, including Monifieth Athletic, Kirkcaldy Foodbank, Kirriemuir Girl Guides and Brae Riding for the Disabled.

It is the latest round of payouts from the local community fund and brings the amount the Co-op has invested in good causes in Dundee since the scheme launched in September 2016 to £368,000.

According to the latest figures from the Charities Commission, just under 40% of all charities have an income of less than £10,000.

The £2,750 average payout will therefore be a significant boost to funds for the 4,000 organisations that are receiving a payment from the Co-op.

Rufus Olins, director of community and campaigns at the Co-op, said: “It’s great to be delivering an early Christmas present to those communities and individuals that need it most.

“Making a positive contribution and making great things happen locally has been at the heart of The Co-op’s purpose since 1844 and the local community fund is a good modern example of this.

“Along with our members, we’re proud to be making a difference to hundreds, if not thousands, of local lives.”

Money for good causes is raised by Co-op members every time they buy a Co-op branded product from a food store or a funeral plan or funeral from Funeralcare. As well as earning a 5% reward for themselves, a further 1% goes to a local good cause of their choice.

The Co-op has 4.6 million active members including 1,240,000 recruited since the new scheme began on September 21 last year.

Monifieth Athletic members picking up their cheque at Barnhill Co-op.