23 Suffolk charities are to benefit from £93,000 grants just awarded by East of England Co-op’s Community Cares Fund.

The 23 Suffolk grants are valued at between £1,000 and £5,000 and their total value is £93,020.

Altogether, the East of England Co-op will be donating £200,000 to good causes across East Anglia as part of its Community Cares Fund, which will directly benefit over 43,000 local people.

Suffolk Libraries, the charity which runs Suffolk Library Service has already received £5,000 to extend and develop the work of all 45 libraries across Suffolk to offer warm hubs.

These provide free hot drinks and donated clothes for those struggling to pay heating bills as well as access to year-round wellbeing activities to help tackle social isolation and computer skills support to reduce digital exclusion.

Ipswich Star: A Suffolk Libraries volunteer providing hot drinks for the charities ‘warm spaces’ at Gainsborough Library, IpswichA Suffolk Libraries volunteer providing hot drinks for the charities ‘warm spaces’ at Gainsborough Library, Ipswich (Image: Warren Page)
Other good causes across Suffolk to be awarded grants include the Rural Coffee Caravan, Breast Friends, Halesworth Volunteer Centre and Make Play CIC.

Bruce Leeke, Chief Executive of Suffolk Libraries said: “As a charity that impacts over 100,000 lives every year, this funding from the East of England Co-op Community Cares Fund will enable us to support even more people."

Each year, the East of England Co-op invests part of its profits through its Community Cares Fund to support local charities and community initiatives across East Anglia.

Since its launch in April 2020, the Co-op has donated over £1 million through its Community Cares Fund. 

Ipswich Star: Bruce Leeke, Chief Executive of Suffolk LibrariesBruce Leeke, Chief Executive of Suffolk Libraries (Image: Warren Page)

Doug Field OBE, Chief Executive of the East of England Co-op said: “For over 155 years, our East of England Co-op has proudly served our communities. We strive to make a real difference by supporting those in need.  Our focus has always been, and always will be, on strengthening our local communities. 

“I'd also like to express my sincere gratitude to our dedicated charity partners across the East of England. Their tireless work ensures that those who need help have someone to turn to. Together, we continue to be a beacon of hope for those who need it most.”

For more information about the East of England Co-op’s Community Cares Fund or to apply for funding visit https://www.eastofengland.coop/community/community-cares-fund