Co-op stores present £27,000 to local good causes
Co-op stores in Worthing, Lancing and Sompting have given away around £27,000 to eight charities chosen by staff and supported by customers.
Co-op Celebration Week has seen three stores celebrating their chosen charities with events organised by Bob Smytherman, member pioneer for East Worthing, Lancing and Sompting.
Bob said: "It is all about celebrating our community."
At Plaza Parade Co-op, in Rowlands Road, a group of children from years one and two at St Mary's Catholic Primary School gathered last Friday morning to hand in their colouring competition entries.
This competition has been run in conjunction with the Post Office and the pictures will be displayed in the window at the store.
Worthing mayor Jon Roser joined in the fun as three local causes received a share of £10,775.90, with Worthing Soup Kitchen getting £3,902.55, Andy's Angels £3,670.86 and Superstar Arts £3,202.49.
Bob explained the money came from the Co-op Members Local Community Fund and it included shopping at Plaza Parade, South Street Tarring and Tarring Road.
Celebrations continued that afternoon at the Broadwater Co-op, where a total of £6,824.49 was presented to two chosen charities.
Bob said this included shopping at Ham Road Co-op in East Worthing, with Worthing Food Foundation receiving £4,257.30 and CYCALL Adapted Cycling Scheme £2,567.19.
The Celebration Week started last Wednesday at the Lancing Co-op in North Road, where £9,193.49 was presented to three causes.
Adur District Council chairman Joe Pannell and Lancing Parish Council chairman Mike Mendoza joined in the fun.
Lancing & Sompting Men in Sheds received £3,549.44, Keep Lancing Lovely £2,718.72 and South Downs Leisure £2,905.33.
Bob said this money included Lancing Funeral Care donations and shopping at the Sompting Co-op.
Lancing and Sompting causes for the next 12 months will be North Lancing Primary School PTA and Lancing & Sompting Churches Food Bank. The five East Worthing stores will be supporting Sight Support Worthing and Broadwater Community Hub and Pantry.