Tamworth Co-op is to hand out an extra £20,000 to local good causes over the coming weeks as part of its new ‘Cash in the Bag’ scheme.
The money has been raised from a 5p charge imposed by the government on the sale of carrier bags in October 2015.
Four town charities have been chosen to share the proceeds from the sale of bags in the Tamworth Co-op’s supermarket and convenience stores.
Tamworth Co-op chief executive Julian Coles
Chief executive Julian Coles said the board had been researching many excellent organisations which operate on a not-for-profit basis.
“It’s a very hard task because there are many groups which do fantastic work in the areas we trade in,” he said.
“However, we have drawn up a shortlist and expect to announce the first beneficiary shortly.”
While the board was keen to make some ‘meaningful donations’ to key groups in the Society’s landmark year, no decision has yet been made on how the carrier bag money will be distributed in future.
The cash will either be added to the Society’s Community Dividend Fund, which already contributes more than £10,000 a year to local initiatives, or will finance a stand-alone scheme.
The Cash in the Bag initiative was launched to coincide with the 130th anniversary of the independent co-operative.
“Giving back to the community is a guiding principle of the Society and this gesture is completely in keeping with co-operative values,” said Mr Coles.
“The money has come in from our customers and is going back into the community. Our founder William MacGregor spent a considerable amount of his time and money on improving the Tamworth area. I think he would be delighted to know that the principles we were founded on in 1886 remain just as important to us today.”