Talgarth Co-op are celebrating the difference their members make, following the announcement that thousands of pounds has been raised for local good causes.

Together, members have raised £6000.71 helping three local causes - £2145.19 to Three Cocks cause Flora Cultura, £2014.36 to Talgarth and District Sports & Community Association and £1841.16 Woodlands Play Park in Talgarth.

Member pioneer for Talgarth and Brecon, Martin Draper said: “It was superb to listen to the plans of our outgoing local community fund organisations, using monies gained from the Co-op Local Community Fund and I’m looking forward to working with the newly appointed causes over the next year.”

Co-op now wants to continue to build stronger and more resilient communities by offering fair access to food,fFair access to mental wellbeing support and fair access to education and employment for young people.

The funds raised by members will be split two ways.

Flora Cultura Co-op funding
Left to right - Martin Draper, Co-op member pioneer; Rashid Benoy, director and founder of Flora Cultura; William Lloyd (Co-op)

This year the Co-op as a whole has supported 4,500 local causes and they will continue to support thousands more through the Local Community Fund, where members can select which cause in their local community to support.

This is in addition to the new Community Partnerships Fund, creating lasting change on big issues we care about, targeting communities that need the extra help the most.

TADSCA Co-op funding
Left to right - William Lloyd; Peter Weavers, TADSCA Chair; Martin Draper (Co-op)

Talgarth Co-op store manager, William Lloyd said: “It still amazes me how a little convenience store in a little Town can contribute so much to the surrounding area, this amount of money really makes a difference and allows these local causes to improve their facilities and ultimately improves the lives of people in our communities.

“Add this to our Foodshare and Community Fridge program, whilst being a collection point for Brecon Foodbank, it shows what the Co-op difference really is compared to other retailers and we look forward to continuing our important work in the wider community going forward.”

All this is made possible because every £1 members spend on selected Co-op products and services, 2p goes into their membership account and the Co-op doubles the same amount to support community organisations and local causes.