The latest period in the Co-op’s ‘Local Community Fund’ national initiative came to a very successful conclusion at the end of October.

Throughout the year, 2p in every £1 spent by customers on Co-op branded goods is donated to local causes. Since the scheme began in 2016, £117 million has been raised.

The three causes chosen by the Builth Wells Co-op stores were The Bracken Cancer Trust, Pontfaen Young Farmers and The Albert Hall in Llandrindod Wells.

Coop - Pic 2 - Bracken Trust cheque
Stuart Williams and Helen Tuite with Jayne Griffiths and Reg Cawthorne of the Bracken Trust (Ted Edwards Photography)

The grand total raised from Co-op shoppers was an incredble £8,215. All the causes get a slightly different share of that amount, depending on how many people chose them in the scheme.

Coop - Pic 3 - Pontfaen YF cheque
Stuart Williams and Helen Tuite with Raiff Devlin of Pontfaen Young Farmers (Ted Edwards Photography)

Helen Tuite, member pioneer for the Co-op in Builth Wells, said: “We are delighted that so much was raised from our members’ contributions. Those pennies really do add up!

“I think most of our customers have got members’ cards now, but if they haven’t, they just need to pay a £1 one-off payment and choose which cause they’d like to support. It also means they get weekly special offers and will receive 2p back in every £1 they spend on Co-op branded items, which they can take off a future shopping bill.

“It’s fantastic that such a simple idea can not only help our customers, but make such a difference in the community.

“We will be announcing the next three local causes soon, so watch this space!”