Thousands of charities are sharing in a £9m funding boost from the Co-op. As a result of the Co-op’s membership scheme launched last September, the money will be shared by over 4,000 good causes across the country.
One of these causes is Emmaus Mossley, a charity that supports formerly homeless people by providing them with a home and work in a community setting. On Wednesday 19 April, Co-op staff from the Mossley branch presented a cheque for £2,219 to members of the Emmaus Mossley community.
“I was really surprised by how highly regarded our Emmaus community is by local Co-op members. Our charity is unique in that we also support the local community so it’s nice that we get support back.” Kris, companion at Emmaus Mossley
When a Co-op member buys own-brand products from food stores or a funeral plan or funeral from Funeralcare they earn a five per cent reward for themselves with a further one per cent going to local good causes. All those one per cent rewards, plus the proceeds of the carrier bag charge in England, make up a total pot of £9 million to be shared amongst local good causes.
“The Co-op has always been community focussed. The original Rochdale Pioneers were motivated by the need to improve the living conditions of those within their local community and they also understood that values were just as important as value.
“By listening to our members we are able to identify what communities care most about and then offer support that really makes a difference, and by working with and supporting local good causes great things are happening.” Rufus Olins, Chief Membership Officer at the Co-op
Emmaus Mossley supports 26 formerly homeless people by providing them with a home and work in a community setting. The charity runs a social enterprise in Mossley, selling donated and upcycled furniture, household goods, clothes, bric-a-brac and vintage wares.
“We would like to thank the Co-op members in our locality for selecting Emmaus Mossley as their nominated local cause. The amount raised has exceeded our expectations and we look forward to using it to directly benefit the people we support.” Frances Hirst, Chair of Emmaus Mossley
To find out more or support Emmaus Mossley head to www.emmaus.org.uk/mossley. If you would like to get involved or donate an item, please call 01457 838608 or visit the store at Longlands Mill, Queen Street, Mossley OL5 9AH.