£41,677 has been donated to charities and causes in Guernsey and Jersey this Spring, thanks to CI Coop’s Community Fund.
The Community Fund was introduced by the retailer in 2021 to get behind the projects and causes that resonate the most with CI Coop and its members. Support is available to projects that inspire the next generation, promote equality, social inclusion and accessibility, preserve the local environment, support the aging population, or health and wellbeing. The latest round of grants brings the total number of projects supported to 245, with almost £250,000 donated since its inception.
20 applicants in Guernsey were successful in the Spring round of funding, including £1,200 to Autism Guernsey for sleep counselling training, £1,000 to the Orthoptic Department at Princess Elizabeth Hospital towards providing glasses for children, and £825 to Health Connections LBG to increase support available at their Talking Café initiative.
Amherst School Headteacher, Matthew Hughes, recommended that others apply if there’s a project or initiative in need of funds. As a successful applicant in 2023, the funds have contributed greatly to supporting the school with a dedicated cooking for the school children and for planned family cooking classes led by their family support worker.
Matthew said: “Just go for it. It’s lovely and I didn’t realise how easy it was to apply. It was very straightforward. I just managed to complete the form quickly and I’d recommend it to anyone.”
This year, the CI Coop has pledged that 1% of sales from locally produced products will be donated to future Community Fund applicants, to ensure future community support.
Carl Winn, Head of Community & Sustainability at CI Coop, said “Through our Community Fund, we support like-minded charities and not-for-profit organisations that align with our vision as a Coop, providing a financial boost to local causes, enabling them to keep up their incredible work.
“We’ve found that the last year has been challenging financially for charities and community groups, so our commitment of support as a community retailer is more important than ever before.”
The main picture shows The Terriers, Guernsey Indoor Bowling Association: The Terriers are a group of indoor bowls players with learning disabilities. The group are united by a love of bowls and the sessions provide regular fun and friendship. A grant of £2,000 in Autumn 2023 has allowed a full year of bowls to continue fully funded.
