Record total raised for good causes

Local charities and community groups have benefitted from over £164,000 worth of donations thanks to our Community Champions scheme.

We raise money for different causes every three months – and this is the highest ever total raised in a quarter.

It'll help more than 150 groups provide valued services or ignite positive change in their local area, ranging from football clubs to foodbanks.

More than 157,000 of our members contributed to the hefty total, as a donation was made each time a dividend card was used during March, April and May this year.

Money is also raised through fundraising, collection boxes, and proceeds from the sale of carrier bags.

Two of the good causes to have benefitted from the scheme include Buddies Dementia Café in Nettleham, a group dedicated to supporting those living with dementia and their carers and Newark in Bloom, a group transforming public spaces with beautiful flowers.

Volunteer Secretary at Newark in Bloom, Vivienne Hall, said: “We’re blown away by the news of the amazing total of £794.52 raised for Newark in Bloom! After the last 15 months of lockdowns and restrictions it’s given us something really positive to look forward to.”

Buddies Dementia Café will receive an incredible £914.15 in donations.

Chairman at Buddies Dementia Café, Lulu Wood, said: “The Community Champions scheme has benefitted Buddies Dementia Café in many ways.

“The funding helps us to continue the work we’ve done throughout the pandemic ­- we’ve provided support to our members with monthly newsletters, regular phone calls, shopping, transport and much more.

“We know that there are people out there who could benefit from our help and we'd love to welcome new members, especially when we can restart the cafe.”

Community Champions is just one of the ways that Lincolnshire Co-op shares its profits with the community.

Senior Community Coordinator at Lincolnshire Co-op, Danielle Budworth, said: “We’re so happy that we’re able support good causes in the local area.

“The scheme was launched back in 2013, and it’s great to see the positive impact that it’s had on local charities and communities in this time.”

Causes benefitting from Community Champions are voted for by colleagues and members and change every three months. Throughout the summer months, the focus is breakfast clubs at local primary schools.

To find out which local causes and groups in your area have received support from Community Champions, click here.