Co-op holds out a helping hand to charities in need

The Co-op has been helping local charities and community groups for 21 years through the scheme.

Former society chief executive, Allan Smith, set up the programme in 1995 to reflect one of the society's values – caring for others. It aims to help organisations and groups to fund activities they would otherwise not be able to do.

Around £250,000 has been donated to good causes in the Channel Islands since its launch.

Greg Yeoman, the society's chief marketing officer, said: 'We are inviting all island community groups and charities to submit their applications for the 2016 Helping Hands programme before the deadline date of 31 January.

'We are delighted that the society's Helping Hands scheme has become such a well established charitable fund that has, to date, supported hundreds of charities, schools, clubs, welfare groups and organisations in our local island community.

'There are so many local individuals and groups who give up their time to help others less fortunate and, as a truly local, community retailer we are really proud of our commitment to helping as many of those charities and organisations as we can, sometimes with hundreds of pounds rather than thousands but still enough to make a real difference to the crucial work that they undertake.'

To apply, groups must fill in an application form, which can be found at at www.channelislands.coop/giving by Sunday 31 January.

This can be completed online or can be returned by post to Julie Le Cornu, marketing and PR manager, Co-operative House, 57, Don Street, St. Helier, Jersey, JE2 4TR.