FOUR community groups have benefitted from a share of more than £11,000 thanks to the Mid Counties Co-operative.

Staff at the Old Town Co-op were able to donate the money, totalling £11,115, to the groups on Thursday as part of the company’s local charity partnership scheme.

The Midcounties Co-operative selects a group of local charities to support for two years. The partnership sees members and colleagues come together to make a meaningful impact to the group through volunteering, fundraising initiatives, grant giving and raising awareness for the charity.

The money donated is the overall amount raised for the charities throughout last year and amongst the groups that benefited was Swindon Night Shelter, which provides support to homeless and vulnerable people in the area.

The organisation will use the money to convert its loft area and storage space, as well as introduce a ‘pay as you go’ shop, which will soon be available to the public.

Other charities that were awarded with funds include Root and Branch Recovery Group, Penny Hooks Farm and Children’s Cancer and Leukaemia Movement (CALM).

Dean Mason, leadership team ambassador at The Midcounties Co-operative in Old Town, said: “We’re proud to be able to award charities and community groups in Swindon with another donation as part of our charity partnerships.

“The groups play a vital role in offering support, essential services and social activities for local residents, and this money will be able to help them continue their good work.

“Supporting local community groups in the areas we serve is a core part of our values at The Midcounties Co-operative and we hope to maintain our relationships with our previous charity partners.”