COMMUNITY groups in and around St Helens are set to share tens of thousands of pounds being donated to worthy organisations and bodies by the Co-op.

The latest beneficiaries of the Co-op’s local community fund who will receive several thousand pounds, include:

St Helens Mind,

Business for Youth in Newton-le-Willows

Liberty Pregnancy Counselling

MedEquip4Kids, Bispham hall scout estate

Crawford Village and Pimbo Lane Playing Fields

Rainford Cubs

Mersey Rivers Trust

Rainhill Village Hall

Caring Connections

Rainhill Guide House

Bold Rangers JFC Community Project

Fit Forever 60 plus

Valley Brass Band Community Group

The James Nicholas Foundation collaborating with CRY

Lilac Centre Cancer Charity Fund, Sam's Diamonds, Age UK Mid Mersey and Jenson's Twinkle Stars

According to the Charities Commission 40 per cent o fall charities survive on an income of less than £10,000 per annum and therefore the Co-op scheme will provide a considerable proportion of funding for many local good causes.

The money, which since 2016 has amounted to £20 million, comes from Co-op members buying own-brand products from food stores or a funeral plan, where they earn a five per cent reward for themselves with a further one percent going to local good causes.

Co-op area manger Ian Hall said: “As a community retailer we want to support the causes that matter most to Co-op members in St Helens such as St Helens Mind, so we would urge people to visit us online to choose who they would like to support, and then shop with us to ensure the good causes get the most out of the fund.

“Nationwide the local community fund is making areal difference to charities and good causes throughout the country. Since we launched the membership scheme in September 2016, 8,000 organisations have shared £20 million, and we are confident that this year we will raise a further £20 million to be shared amongst the latest 4,000 causes.”

Mr Hall added: “Based on the national average of funds handed out previously, each good cause should get in the region of around £4,000, however this will vary from area to area.”