Charities’ Co-op cash boost
FIVE Lochaber Co- op stores have donated thousands of pounds to charities this month.
One per cent of what customers spend on own-brand products and services goes to the Co- op Local Community Fund, which is used to support community projects.
In Lochaber, around 15 charities received a cash boost.
Staff at stores in Ballachulish, Caol, Corpach, Kinlochleven and Mallaig – and Co- op branches on Skye – have been celebrating the pay- outs.
In Caol, manager Neil Macleod told the Lochaber Times the total raised was £ 5,102. Care Lochaber received £1,693, Lochaber Hope £1,727 and Lochaber Action on Disability £1,682. Kinlochleven charities also benefited from the scheme. Loch Leven community minibus was awarded £ 812, Kinlochlovin’ received £ 889 and the Loch Leven sports centre was given £ 823.
The Co- op in Corpach held a celebration day on April 19 where the Star for Harris charity was given £ 892, Lochaber Rural Complex received £ 825, and £933 was awarded to Lochaber Mountain Rescue.
In Ballachulish, £4,095 was raised by the project. The money was split between Ballachulish Sports and Playpark Association, which was awarded £1,395, the 4th Lochaber Scouts group received £1,365, and Ballachulish Community Association was given £1,335.
Store manager Neil Cameron said: ‘The Co- op giving money to more than 15 charity groups in Lochaber is a massive boost to these groups and will help other groups realise there is a chance to get help.’
Mallaig Co- op made three payments after raising £6,540. Mallaig Pool and Leisure was given £2,312, Mallaig and Morar Community Centre received £2,120, and £2,108 was given to Mallaig Heritage Centre.
Staff at the Woodpark Road, Portree, branch were also celebrating. Three charities have benefited from the efforts of Skye and Lochaber’s local branches.
Over the past six months, £41,694 was raised.
Skye and Lochalsh Association for Disability was awarded £13,396, Skye and Lochalsh Community Care Forum received £14,163, while the Skye and Lochalsh branch of Crossroads Care benefited to the tune of £14,135.
Team member Yvonne Ross said: ‘ We’ve only just started the initiative and the Co- op has raised more than £9 million nationwide for charity.
‘ We’re delighted three worthy causes in our community will share more than £41,000.’
The next phase of funding has started and customers can chose which charity to donate their one per cent to now.