Community groups in the Lake District are rejoicing after receiving a funding windfall from the Co-op's Local Community Fund.

The funds, raised by Co-op Members by swiping or scanning their membership card when buying own-brand products and services, will aid the projects they dearly care for.

More than 36,000 community projects have felt the positive impact of this fund since its inception in 2016.

A total of £100,380.48 is being spread amongst 48 groups in the Lake District and surrounding areas.

The beneficiaries include the 5th/8th Kendal Scout Group who have received £1,140.70; The Bowness and Windermere Community Care Trust receiving £1,519.57, and Appleby and District Community First Responders Group who benefited with £4,109.09.  

It comes at a time with research from over 3,000 UK local community causes showing that more than eight in 10 groups have seen a jump in demand for services through the cost-of-living crisis.

This Christmas, Co-op Members and customers will have the chance to provide further vital support to community causes.

Donation of Member rewards can be made through the Co-op app.

From next week, donations can also be made in any of the 2,400 Co-op stores across the nation.

Co-op pledges to match the donations, up to £1m, enabling the spirit of Christmas to reach more UK communities this year.

Rebecca Birkbeck, Director of Community and Member Participation at Co-op, said: “We’re really proud of our Local Community Fund and the impact it’s had supporting thousands of local causes across the UK. These groups deliver incredible grassroot projects, enabling them to provide important services, support and activities for their diverse communities.”

The values of Co-op are reflected in the selection of the fund beneficiaries.

These include efforts to improve food access, enhance mental wellbeing, provide opportunities for young people to be heard and make a difference, and promote environmentally friendly activities.

The Co-op is hoping to attract one million new active members over the next five years.

In August, the company announced its biggest ever single investment in pricing of £70m, as it extended its 'member-only' pricing across every day essentials.

To learn more about the benefits of Co-op Membership, visit the website at: www.coop.co.uk/membership