Raunds community projects receive £50K lifeline
Community projects across Raunds have received vital cash injections thanks to local retailer, Midlands Co-operative Society. The community-spirited organisation has donated over £50,000 to local worthy causes during 2008 and has now pledged to donate a further £50,000 in 2009.
In 2008 nearly twenty local projects benefited from money donated from Midlands Co-op’s Making a Difference Community Dividend fund, which guarantees that a percentage of its trading profit is donated to local groups in its trading area.
One of the projects to receive a cash boost was Darsdale Home for the Blind which received £5,000 to help build a new sensory garden. When completed, the garden will include special non-slip pathways with secure grab rails, several seating areas, a large summerhouse, water features, wind chimes and various planted areas. Funds donated by Midlands Co-op were used to pay for a new gazebo and guide rails.
Shirley Cross, who made the application to Midlands Co-op, said: “We are the first and only residential home for the blind in the county and we have up to 30 residents living here. Started in November last year, the garden will be finished at the end of January and the money from Midlands Co-op has been vital to this project. There is no doubt that it will bring immense enjoyment to our residents.”
Cyrrhian Macrae, Midlands Co-op’s Head of Community and Co-operative Affairs, added:
“Since merging with Raunds Co-operative Society in 2007 we have made a significant financial contribution to community projects in the area. We are proud to have supported a wide range of local facilities and services benefiting all sections of the Raunds community and hope that our ongoing support will help ensure the continued good work of these much needed neighbourhood providers.”
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