Helping young people reach their goals.
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A £7 million Co-operative legacy
Friday 10 February 2012
The Co-operative Group raises £7 million for young people with a learning disability
The Co-operative Group today (Friday 10 February) announced that it has raised an incredible £7 million to help young people with a learning disability across the UK, as part of its Charity of the Year partnership with Mencap and ENABLE Scotland.
The total was announced at an event at The Co-operative Group's headquarters in Manchester. It was attended by former England rugby player Austin Healey and Hollyoaks' stars Sarah Jayne Dunn and Darren Langford.
Every penny raised by The Co-operative Group’s staff, members and customers will allow Mencap and sister charity ENABLE Scotland to run Inspire Me – a project to provide activities and training that will give thousands of young people with a learning disability the chance to learn new skills. Young people will have access to employment and volunteering opportunities and will also be able to set up their own projects to benefit their communities.
Peter Marks (pictured with Austin Healey), The Co-operative Group’s chief executive, said: “Eight out of ten children with a learning disability are bullied. Young people with a learning disability face prejudice every day and a lack of opportunities, which can make life a desperate struggle.
“The Co-operative is a national brand, but our roots have always been in the community and it is this shared commitment to community projects that sets us apart. This money will leave behind a lasting legacy for a generation of young people with a learning disability.”
Across the country, all areas of The Co-operative – which has a retail outlet in every UK postal district – have been central to the success of this partnership. From Santa Dashes to abseiling, cycle rides and even a charity single, there has been a wide range of fundraising activities over the past year.
Mark Goldring, Mencap’s chief executive, said: “We have been overwhelmed by the support shown by everyone at The Co-operative Group. Their fundraising efforts and generosity have made the partnership a great success. I would like to thank the staff, members and customers for helping to raise such a fantastic sum of money, which will give thousands of young people with a learning disability the chance to change their future.”
Find out more about Mencap’s partnership with The Co-operative
