Charity that helps children read supported by caring, sharing Co-op
CUSTOMERS and colleagues of Co-op stores in Berkshire and Surrey have been steadily raising money for local charities and good causes.
They raised more than £21,000, enabling 20 charities to receive at least £1,000.
They included ABC To Read, a Reading-based charity that supports young readers get to grips with literacy.
Every year, each of Southern Co-op’s local food stores choose a local partner which aims to create greener, safer, healthier or more inclusive neighbourhoods.
Southern Co-op’s Love Your Neighbourhood programme also enables charities and local causes to apply for grants of up to £500 to help sow the seeds to a secure, stronger future for everyone.
Local Co-operative stores that took part in the fundraising included Binfield’s Forest Road, Binfield’s Oakmede Place, and Wokingham’s Market Place.
Holly Bramble, community lead at the regional, independent co-operative, said:
“Local causes make a difference in their local community.
“It is important to us, our colleagues and our members to make sure we support them in their efforts, whether that is a local school working to be more sustainable, or a charity which cares for people in need.
“So we’d like to thank every shopper who put their pennies in the collection pots and every colleague who organised a fundraising activity.
“It’s been a tough few years but it is wonderful to see people continuing to support each other where they can.”
ABC To Read comprises volunteer reading mentors who work one-to-one with children to build their confidence and reading skills. It also provides support for schools and families to help young people for whom reading is a challenge.
Marcia Rowlinson, CEO of ABC to Read, was thrilled with the support received from the Co-op.
“It is absolutely crucial to address the education gap caused by covid, to improve the future prospects of our local youngsters.
Our volunteers are a critical part of the recovery process at this difficult time, bridging that gap and inspiring a love of reading, and we are grateful for the support from Co-operative funding in helping us impact as many Berkshire children as we can.”
On average, 500 children are encouraged and mentored by ABC to Read volunteers every week, with 12,000 hours invested into improving not only their reading ability but their enjoyment of it.
ABC to Read is actively looking for new volunteers to take part in its training.
Schools in need of additional reading support are also being actively encouraged to sign up for ABC to Read mentors.
■ For more information about training days or joining the scheme as a school or volunteer mentor, contact: info@abctoread. org.uk, or visit the charitiy’s website: www.abctoread.org.uk
■ For more information about Cooperative local funding and other support available, visit: www.