Figures from Central England Co-operative reveal it has invested more than £1m in the community.
Ahead of a social return on investment (SROI) report, the society said its impact across its trading region has seen £1,191,000 given to communities.
This amount includes £248,000 raised for the society’s charity Newlife Foundation for Disabled Children. The total raised for the charity by Central England’s 430 outlets across 16 counties has now reached £1.5m.
The co-op has also supported major events such as the Macmillan Coffee Morning, with the Funeral business helping to raise over £12,000 in September.
In addition, the past year saw £670,000 in support for community groups across the trading area through the society’s dividend fund and the work of the membership and community councils.
Chief executive Martyn Cheatle said: “All of us involved with the society – whether it be colleagues, customers or members – are proud that giving back and supporting the communities in which we trade is a key part of our ethos as a co-operative business.
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“Whether it’s raising money for the amazing work that Newlife does across our trading area or providing vital donations to support causes close to the heart of our communities as part of our Community Dividend Fund activity, these latest figures showcase that giving back is at the heart of what we do and what Central England Co-operative is about.”
The focus of December’s in-depth SROI report will be on the society’s community impact, its SENse to Aspire work experience scheme and member groups.
The community dividend scheme gives grants of £100-£5,000 every three months with the aim of improving opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds. The fund guarantees that at least 1% of the society’s trading profit is reinvested in local causes. In the last round of community dividend grants, 26 local groups shared £42,555.
- To find out more about the community dividend scheme visit the Central England website.
