A WELSH speaking pre-school in Llanfyllin has received £500 from the Co-operative’s Community Fund to buy more outdoor equipment.
Cylch Meithrin Llanfyllin has received £500 as part of the Community Fund created by members of the Co-operative Group who elect to donate all, or part, of their twice-yearly dividend payments directly to the scheme.
The funds are then shared with local community projects and groups, such as Cylch Meithrin Llanfyllin.
Mair Jones, from Cylch Meithrin Llanfyllin, said: “We are delighted with this award from the Co-operative as the outdoor equipment that children used previously was very old and in bad condition.
“We are now able to dispense with old unsuitable play toys, and will replace these with new fully working and safe toys.”
Based at the community centre in Llanfyllin, Cylch Meithrin Llanfyllin aims to provide enjoyable, effective preschool education using play, literacy and numeracy activities through the medium of Welsh.
Clair Stevens, membership officer for the Co-operative in Mid Wales, said: “Because our members own the business, they get a share in any of the profits we make. It’s a scheme we’re very proud of, not only because it gives us the chance to thank members for shopping with us, but because so many people choose to give something back to local communities.”
Co-operative members receive a payment twice a year based on the points they earn when they trade at any of the group’s businesses, including the Co-operative Food, Travel, Pharmacy and Funeralcare, as well as the Co-operative Bank, Smile and the Co-operative Insurance.
“There is around £200,000 available in this region, each year, from the Community Fund and we welcome applications from local groups and projects for £100 to £2,000,” added Clair.
Awards are allocated by local Co-operative members’ committees, based on a set of values and principles such as social responsibility and caring for others.