THOUSANDS of pounds was distributed to good causes across Teesdale thanks to shoppers who supported a supermarket chain’s community fund.
The Co-op donates one per cent from the sale of own-brand products to the fund, with shoppers who sign up to the scheme deciding where the money goes.
In Teesdale, more than £12,000 was handed out by the dale’s four stores at the weekend.
In Cockfield, Butterknowle Village Hall received £1,469.98, Copley Village Hall got £1,415.88 and Staindrop Scouts £1,443.17.
At Middleton-in-Teesdale, the community fitness suite picked up £2,369, the Friends of Middleton School £2,429.33 and the Pathway £563.
In Barnard Castle, money raised by the town centre store and petrol station was given to Durham County Carers Support (£1,311.35), Friends of Cotherstone School (£1,389.89) and Teesdale YMCA (£1,416.72).
In addition, the Barnard Castle stores raised cash throughout the year for Barnard Castle Amateur Boxing Club and the Alzheimer’s Society.
Klara Whiley, secretary of Butterknowle Village Hall, said she was delighted with the support the hall had received through the Co-op fund.
“We have got a new carpet for the corridor. The rest is going towards some new LED stage lights. We were surprised with the amount raised – and every little is welcome.”
Butterknowle Village Hall has been nominated as one of the beneficiaries again next year.
“We are telling people to sign up again and support us.”
Ken Cook and Graham Fewell were on hand to accept the money for Copley Village Hall. Mr Cook said: “We thank everyone who chose Copley Village Hall and thank the Co-op for selecting our application to take part in the scheme.
“We intend to spend this marvellous amount of money on maintaining the fabric of our hall to keep it as a viable resource for everyone – young and old – in the village.”
Luke Hodson, team leader at the Middleton Co-op store, said more money had been raised by the dale’s stores this year. “Once people know it is for local good causes, they are more than happy to sign up for the scheme,” he said.
The organisations which will benefit from the Co-op community fund in the coming 12 months are:
Cockfield: Butterknowle Village Hall; Beyond Limits; Cockfield Community Cafe (Teesdale YMCA).
Middleton-in-Teesdale: Middleton Brownies; Community fitness suite; Middleton Village Hall.
Barnard Castle: The Witham (subsidised tickets for people are 12-20); Barnard Castle RUFC Gatorz girls and ladies rugby; Ark on the Edge (veterinary care prior to re-homing of animals).
Details on how to sign up are available in store at any of the dale’s Co-op branches.
More pictures in this week's Mercury
