Rochdale hospice wins vote for Co-operative cash boost

Springhill Hospice

Springhill Hospice in Rochdale has received £2,000 from The Co-operative Membership, after being announced as one of the winners of the retailer’s Big Community Vote.

The UK-wide initiative, launched in March, encouraged local charities and community groups to nominate themselves and demonstrate the value of their work locally, for the chance to win a cash boost to help their project.

Five local groups were shortlisted to go forward to an online poll, and members of The Co-operative were asked to vote online for their favourite.

As a result, Springhill Hospice has been awarded £2,000 to buy a new washing machine that will allow volunteers at the hospice to fulfil individual laundry requests from patients.

Julie Halliwell from Springhill Hospice said: “We are thrilled with the funding we have received from The Co-operative. We are very grateful to everyone who took the time to vote for us, which shows how supportive our local network is, and how valued our group’s work is within the community.”

Simon Plunkett Acting Regional Secretary for The Co-operative’s North West and North Midlands region, said: “It is fantastic to see the positive affects these awards will make to the region. The Big Community Vote allowed us to invite our customers to join our democratic process, have a say in where money is spent in their local area, and vote for causes close to their hearts.

“Every year we also give thousands of pounds to community groups in the region via our Community Fund, which is raised by members donating dividends and administered by our elected area committees.”