Local Co-op members celebrate as Rochdale causes receive over £20,000 in funding

Eight local causes across the Rochdale Borough have shared a total of £20,623 raised by Co-op members, marking a momentous celebration of community support.

The event, held last week at the historic Pioneers Museum on Toad Lane, brought together representatives from the causes, Co-op store managers, and local officials, including deputy mayor Janet Emsley.

The Rochdale-based beneficiaries of the funding were Springhill Hospice, Rochdale Parachute Regimental Association, Littleborough Boxing Club, Smallbridge Local Pantry, Bridge FC Juniors, Jolly Josh, Pennine Stroke Support Group, and Tunshill Junior Golf.

The organisations expressed gratitude and shared heartfelt stories about the vital impact this funding will have on physical and mental health wellbeing, opportunities for young people, and access to essential services such as food.

 

 

Lindsey Milnes, member activator and organiser of the Community Celebration, expressed her pride in the achievements made possible by Co-op members. She said:
“I’m so pleased that so many groups are still benefiting from the Co-op today and the £20,623 shared across the Rochdale groups this November will make such a huge difference. I look forward to welcoming our new local causes for 2025 and continuing to support local people, driven by members simply shopping and scanning their cards.”

Among the causes, the Rochdale Parachute Regimental Association shared an emotional account of the challenges faced by veterans. The funding will enable activities where veterans can share experiences and provide essential physical equipment to support their needs.

Deputy Mayor Janet Emsley praised the Co-op’s efforts, stating: “I was pleased to join with the different groups and volunteers at the Pioneers' Museum.

"It is great that the Co-op are giving support to local projects; this can make a big difference for our community.”

The event highlighted Rochdale Borough’s historic role as the birthplace of the cooperative movement, celebrating 180 years of cooperation this December.

Co-op members were reminded of the tangible impact of their shopping choices when they scan their membership cards.

The Community Celebration also introduced members to additional local projects supported by the Co-op, such as the Light for a Life memorial at Bamford Chapel on 28 November and Barnardo’s weekly youth and food drop-ins at Rochdale Food Pantry, located in the Exchange Shopping Centre and Hopwood Hall College.

This year’s event was part of the Co-op’s wider ‘Join-In’ initiative and its ‘Owned By You, Right by You’ campaign, which extended invitations to members from Oldham and Bury.