Co-op members share ‘divi’ with charities’

GOOD causes and community schemes will receive more than £1m from members of The Co-operative Group.

The Manchester-based retail, financial services, farms to funerals providers, said today its 4.8 million members would be sharing a  half-year dividend payout of
£16.9m.

With many deciding to give some or all of their ‘divi’ to good causes, local community groups and charities will receive £1.2m.

Members receive a cash payment based on the points they earn when they trade at any of the group’s businesses, which include: The Co-operative Food; Travel; Pharmacy; Funeralcare; Electricals; Motors and Legal Services as well as The Co-operative Bank and The Co-operative Insurance.

Peter Marks, chief executive said: “Our interim profits increased by 14%, so I am delighted that our members are sharing in this success and thanks to their generosity it will make a real difference to many charities and local groups that are doing such great work in the local communities we and they serve.”