August 15, 2014 2.05 pm This story is over 114 months old

Lincoln charities and causes share £244k from Lincolnshire Co-op

Good causes step up: A fundraising scheme run by Lincolnshire Co-Operative has seen more than £244,000 shared between over 380 groups, including 106 in the Lincoln area.

A fundraising scheme run by Lincolnshire Co-Operative has seen more than £244,000 shared between over 380 groups, including 106 in the Lincoln area.

Now, Lincolnshire Co-Op is looking for its next round of champions to apply by Friday, September 26.

Lincolnshire Co-Op’s Community Champions initiative sees donations pledged on behalf of dividend card holders every three months to local charities and organisations.

Every time one of the shop’s members made a purchase in a Co-Op outlet, a donation from the Community Champions pot would go to the group supported at the time.

Among previous champions benefitting from the scheme was Welton and Dunholme Methodist Church.

The church organisation was a champion between June and September 2013 and received a funding boost of £1,821. They’re spending the money on a new kitchen.

Development Coordinator at the church, Peter McCree, said: “Work started on our new building at the beginning of July and we’re looking forward to it being finished in time for Christmas.

“We’re very grateful for the support of Lincolnshire Co-op and of our local residents. It’s great to see money raised by a local business supporting a cause that’s part of their community.”

Co-op’s Member Engagement Manager Richard Whittaker said: “It’s a great chance for charities and community groups to get a fundraising boost.

“It’s simple to apply to be a Community Champion. Groups just have to fill out a short form and if they’re chosen, they’ll be able to raise hundreds of pounds.

“The more our members shop in our outlets, the more the Community Champions raise, so if a charity or group rallies their supporters the total could be even more.”

For more information on how to apply to be a part of the scheme, visit the website, or pick up a form in your nearest store.