THE Co-op has donated £500 to Magpas Brampton First Responders towards the cost of training volunteers in life saving skills to provide medical help prior to the arrival of an ambulance. The award came from the community dividend fund, part of the Co-oper

THE Co-op has donated £500 to Magpas Brampton First Responders towards the cost of training volunteers in life saving skills to provide medical help prior to the arrival of an ambulance.The award came from the community dividend fund, part of the Co-operative Group's Dividend customer loyalty card scheme, which allows shoppers to donate the extra pence in their twice-yearly Dividend payouts to worthy causesCo-op Dividend Cardholders earn 1p in the £1 on all products. It is paid out twice a year in full pounds and rather than rolling over the extra pence to the next payment, shoppers can opt to donate the money to the Co-op Community Dividend fund.Approximately £160,000 is availably annually to support charities and community groups in the region, the company said. Local Co-op members' committees allocate the awards based on a set of values and principles such as social responsibility and caring for others.Co-op regional secretary Lisa Stafford said: "The community dividend fund can make a real and lasting contribution to local communities, and we are delighted to make this award to such a valuable scheme. Many community groups share our co-operative values and could benefit from an award, and we would certainly welcome their applications,".INFORMATION: Application forms are available in Co-operative Group stores.