‘Thank you’ video showcases impact of Co-op community fund on vital Huddersfield group

Posted by rob smyth | Published: 13/08/2021

A special ‘thank you’ video has highlighted the impact vital funding from Central England Co-op has had on a Huddersfield organisation.

Charity Streetbikes works in the local community to provide upcycled bikes for local people as well as enabling bikes to be adapted for mixed ability cycling sessions.

The good cause was recently handed £500 from Central England Co-op as part of its Community Dividend Fund as part of ongoing efforts to support causes impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The charity has now produced a short video showcasing how the funds have already started to make a major impact for their users.

Clare Taylor, from Streetbikes, said: “Many thanks from Streetbikes for the generous donation from the Central England Co-op Community Dividend Fund.

“We will use the money to help maintain one of our many adapted bikes at our mixed ability cycling sessions that are available to all ages, abilities and backgrounds.

“Post lockdown it is vital to be able to provide activities that will improve people’s mental and physical well-being.”

Other good causes like Streetbikes could be in line for up to £5,000 in funding just by applying to the Community Dividend Fund. During the past 12 months the fund has seen 116 good causes share over £175,000.

Jim Watts, Society Secretary, said: “Community Dividend Fund grants showcase how by being a member and shopping at your local Central England Co-op store allows us as a Society to continue to invest and fund vital projects in the area – especially during uncertain times like these.

“Our fund aligns with our new Society’s Purpose to create a sustainable Society for all and we cannot wait to begin funding some great projects during the coming months and years.”
To apply, members will need: name, address, membership number, organisation type, organisation bank account or constitution and to explain what the group does, how the grant will be spent and the specific impact it will have related to COVID-19.

People can find out the full criteria and how to apply for funding by visiting https://www.centralengland.coop/community/

Notes to editors

About Central England Co-operative

Central England Co-operative is one of the largest independent retail co-operative societies in the UK with interests in food, funeral, floral and property investment.

Owned by hundreds of thousands of members, its over 7,800 colleagues serve customers across 400 plus trading sites in 16 counties in the East and West Midlands, Yorkshire, Suffolk, Norfolk, Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire.

Its purpose is to inspire communities to create a sustainable Society for all.

It actively campaigns for the Government to increase sentencing for violent attacks on retail workers and works with FareShare Midlands and hundreds of food banks, generating enough food donations to create over 2.1 million meals for people in need.

The Society embraces inclusivity and equality and is a signed-up member to the Business in the Community (BITC) Race at Work Charter, while it is also fully committed to addressing the impact of climate change and is on track to be Carbon Neutral by 2030. 

It invests a percentage of its trading profit into local communities through its Community Dividend Fund scheme which has seen over £175,000 shared out between 116 good causes over the past 12 months.

Central England Co-op was named Leading Co-op of the Year by Co-operatives UK in 2021.

Press office contacts: Rob Smyth and James Brindle

Phone - 01543 421390

Email - publicrelations@centralengland.coop