1st Inkberrow Guides can now raise their flag with pride (From Redditch Advertiser)

1st Inkberrow Guides can now raise their flag with pride

1:50pm Wednesday 6th March 2013 in News

A DONATION of £380 from The Co-operative’s Community Fund has helped 1st Inkberrow Guides replace a damaged unit flag and new event shelters.

The Community Fund is created by members of The Co-operative Group who elect to donate all, or part, of their twice-yearly dividend payments directly to the scheme. The funds are then shared with local community projects and groups, such as 1st Inkberrow Guides, across the country.

Samantha Gisborne, from 1st Inkberrow Guides, said: “This grant has been a huge benefit as our old flag was becoming unfit for purpose. Now the Guides can raise their flag with pride when we attend events throughout the year.”

The Co-operative spokesman Zoe Bartlett said: “Because our members own the business, they get a share in any of the profits we make. It’s a scheme we’re very proud of, not only because it gives us the chance to thank members for shopping with us, but because so many people choose to give something back to local communities.”

Co-operative members receive a payment twice a year based on the points they earn when they trade at any of the group’s businesses, including The Co-operative Food, Travel, Pharmacy and Funeralcare, as well as The Co-operative Bank, Smile and The Co-operative Insurance.

There is around £600,000 available in this region each year from the Community Fund, and applications are welcomed from local groups and projects for grants from £100 to £2,000.

Community Fund application forms are available at www.co-operative.coop/communityfund or by calling 0844 262 4001.