Supporting Co-op pays dividends for three Strathspey causes
Christmas has come nice and early for three local groups.
The nationwide retailer has just presented this year’s Co-op Causes with their cheques outside the store in Grantown.
The well-deserving recipients of 2023 in Strathspey were Grantown Grammar School Parent Council, Abernethy Bowling Club and Strathspey Camanachd.
The total amount distributed to the organisations on behalf of Co-op customers was no less than £10,163.
Ewan MacGregor, Co-op member pioneer and Graham Shand, of the Coop Grantown, were delighted to present cheques to the representatives of the local causes.
The Grantown-based shinty club received £3273 which will go towards buying playing equipment, developing, and growing the local junior and senior shinty club.
Abernethy Bowling Club’s £2754 will be spent on professional repair and upgrade of the green, so that play can continue before the green becomes unplayable.
And Grantown Grammar School Parent Council gratefully received £4135 which is earmarked to going towards walking equipment, waterproofs, and notebooks which will create a ‘living classroom’ for the school.
The money raised for these causes is all down to the members of the local Coop who carry a Co-op membership card and use it whenever they shop in the store.
Steve Flew, treasurer of the parent council, said: “We are delighted to receive this donation from the Co-op
“We would like to thank both the Co-op and all the shoppers who chose our cause to support.
“This this amazing amount will help us ensure that the school can deliver its living classroom concept – ensuring pupils get to access and understand the history, culture and diversity of our amazing local environment.
“The donation rounds off a great year for the GGS parent council which has seen our lobbying for a change to the pupil-teacher ratio.
“This had historically disadvantaged mid-sized schools such as Grantown Grammar School and Kingussie High School but got changed in time for this school year.
“We look forward to continue working with the school locally, and with other parent councils across the strath and beyond, to ensure our rural schools are not disadvantaged compared with their urban counterparts.”
