CO-OP stores in Launceston have donated over £3,000 to Launceston Memory Café through the Co-op Local Community Fund scheme.

With ‘round one’ of funding ending on April 8, on Wednesday, April 19, Co-op food stores and funeralcare establishments across the country celebrated and thanked their customers with a range of different activities.

Launceston’s Co-op Broad Street presented members of Launceston Memory Café, including its founder Cym Downing, with a cheque for £3,141 that was raised for them through the store’s membership scheme.

The Co-op Local Community Fund was introduced as a way of raising funds for community groups, charities and organisations.

Through the stores’ membership scheme, of any Co-op branded product that is purchased, such as a loaf of bread, 5% is given back to a Co-op member on their membership card, and a further 1% is put towards charity or a local cause.

The three Co-op stores in Launceston have, between them, managed to raise £9,095 for community groups in their area since September, which is a great achievement for the store, according to Dave Dobson of Co-op Funeral Care and John Opie, manager of Launceston’s Broad Street store.

Dave told the Post: “I think we’re just chuffed really; the amount that’s built up is so high. It’s amazing that it’s built up so much.”

John added: “We never dreamed we’d get over £9,000.”

Dave said: “We’re very proud. This scheme is all about the community, and all about the Co-op being involved in the community and giving something back. Everyone’s doing it today, presenting their money to their charities and community groups.”

Since September, as part of the first round of funding, money has also been raised for the Coronation Park Trust, which has received £3,005, and Launceston YFC, which received £2,949, as well as Launceston Memory Café. Three new causes in the Launceston area have now been chosen and have gone live for the second round of funding.

Launceston Memory Café, which was founded by Cym Downing and Angie Harris on October 13, 2007, is the first of its kind in Cornwall, and offers a relaxing and supportive environment for those with memory problems, as well as providing a haven for carers who often miss out upholding a social life due to their demanding careers.

The memory café opens fortnightly on Saturdays, allowing those with memory problems and their carers to enjoy a relaxing space where they can enjoy refreshments, meet with friends and have a chat.

Cym said: “It’s fantastic. We’re very lucky to be chosen — we’ve all put a lot of effort in.”

The funds will be used to purchase six steel drums for the memory café, which offer different notes when touched and release a very gentle and calming sound. Some of the money will also be put towards a day out for the members of the memory café, where they hope to enjoy a game of bowling and a meal.

Cym added: “I’d like to say a big thank you to the Co-op and all of the managers!”

Having been a carer once herself, Cym works tirelessly to ensure the memory café is running efficiently. However, she can now relax, as she is off to Lanzarote for two weeks!