Scotmid Co-operative brand ambassador Mark Beaumont says the launch of Community Connect is the start of an exciting journey for members in the Society’s North Region.
Full info of Community Connect
Exclusively trialled in Scotmid’s North Region, encompassing Aberdeen, Dundee, Inverness and Perth, Community Connect will enable members to award good cause groups with funding of up to £15,000, generated via the sale of single use carrier bags.
Over the past 12 months, Scotmid awarded £313,000 to hundreds of community groups via the successful Community Grant programme while the Society’s last Charity of the Year partner, Alzheimer Scotland received £375,000 – Community Connect will fit in between the two current initiatives.
Celebrated long-distance cyclist Beaumont, who has just completed a cycle around the coast of Britain in preparation for his upcoming record-breaking world cycle challenge, says it is an innovative way for members to support good cause groups.
Mark said: “Community Connect is a fantastic concept and I’m really excited to be involved in the start of such a worthwhile journey for Scotmid members in the North.
“This will be a real game-changer and enable good cause groups in the North to fund substantial projects.
“The three short-listed good cause groups will be announced in May and then the vote collection process starts – it will be fascinating to see it all unfold.
“Scotmid has always been at the heart of its communities and this latest initiative will help good cause groups to make a big difference.”
Scotmid’s North Region contains over 40 food stores and has 6,000 members, who will all receive a Membership Card.
A panel will then short-list three good cause groups from an extended list
Every time a member makes an in-store purchase they will accumulate votes which they can then cast for their preferred good cause group at the North Region’s OGM in October.
Scotmid Chief Executive John Brodie said: “Scotmid Co-operative has been serving our local communities for over 150 years and Community Connect is the next chapter in our ongoing journey.
“Community Connect is an initiative that will enable our members to feel more connected to Scotmid and play a valued role in determining which good cause groups receive substantial amounts of funding.
“We are excited about launching a trial in our North Region and we are encouraging our members to use their Community Connect cards, accumulate votes and then choose who they believe merits funding of £15,000.”