Co-op awards £40k to local charities and causes

Co-op in the Channel Islands said it has donated about £40,000 to 36 charities and causes

Co-op in the Channel Islands announced about £40,000 has been awarded to local charities and causes.

Channel Islands Co-operative Society (CI Co-op) said its Autumn Community Fund payout was distributed to a "wide range of causes".

It said the payout included significant support for projects that focused on mental health, education, community engagement and the environment.

A total of £39,807 was awarded across the Channel Islands and has benefited 36 initiatives in both Jersey and Guernsey, added the retailer.

'Help vulnerable islanders'

Co-op said in Guernsey, 21 applicants were successful in the autumn round of funding including Guernsey Counselling Service.

It is the only Guernsey charity offering general counselling and accepting clients irrespective of their ability to pay.

Colin Le Ray from the charity said: “The very generous donation of £1,200 will fund 30 client sessions over the next few months which will help vulnerable islanders with many aspects of life’s pressures, including stress, anxiety, loneliness and isolation," he said.

Guernsey Cheshire Homes said the money it received would go towards repairing the roof of the home.

'Diverse range of projects'

Guernsey Beach Wheelchairs said it received £2,000 and the funding would continue to help provide its specially adapted beach wheelchairs for disabled locals and visitors free of charge.

Head of community and sustainability at CI Co-op Mark Cox said the community funding reflected its "commitment to supporting a diverse range of projects that truly make a difference in the lives of islanders".

He said: "From enhancing accessibility and education to promoting well-being and environmental sustainability, we are excited to see how these initiatives will benefit our communities in Jersey and Guernsey."

The community fund was introduced by the retailer in 2021 to get behind projects and causes that resonate the most with CI Co-op and its members.