Co-op stores across the country have been celebrating their Payout events, which are a way of recognising the hard work of local charities and our members’ support. Every store annually selects three local groups for their Local Community Fund and, for each £1 a Co-op member spends, 2p goes into the fund. At the end of the year, the fund is donated to these community organisations.
Locally, in our Caterham store we have recently raised over £3,000 for some worthy local groups: St’s Peter’s C of E Infant School, Delight, and the Open Door at the Church of the Nazarene. Over the next year, we will be supporting Delight, Caterham Foodbank, and Caterham Brownies. So, just by being a Co-op member, you will be simultaneously supporting these integral community groups to thrive and helping us deliver on the vision of ‘Co-operating for a Fairer World’.
Who am I?
I am the Caterham member pioneer for the Co-op. We member pioneers are not simply advocates for the Co-op: our role is to communicate with local groups, connect with the community, and catalyse change and action. I truly love this role as not only do I support the above charities, but I also have the opportunity to develop a personal connection with Caterham and the wider community.
I have recently been a part of the Warlingham Christmas Lights Turn On event, where three of us member pioneers handed out glow sticks to spread a bit of community joy. Also, over my time as a Co-op member pioneer, I have delivered presentations on Fairtrade to local schools, I have bonded with local church groups, and have even been able to donate much needed mental health gifts.
I’m excited to see what the future holds, and to continue to support our local community in any way I can. I love hearing from new groups too, so if you have any ideas or would like to chat, please contact me at jasmine.rodrigues@coop.co.uk.
(Above: Jasmine Rodrigues presents the Co-op payout to Delight)
