CHRISTMAS has come early for nine good causes in the Borders this week, as they share £18,000.

On Monday the Co-op supermarket made the latest round of pay outs from its local community fund. It brings the amount the Co-op has invested in the region to £45,000 since launching its membership scheme in September 2016.

When a member buys Co-op branded products from food stores or a funeral plan or funeral from Funeralcare they earn a five per cent reward for themselves with a further one per cent going to a local good cause of their choice.

Rufus Olins, director of community and campaigns at the Co-op, said: “Making a positive contribution and making great things happen locally has been at the heart of the Co-op’s purpose since 1844, and the local community fund is a good modern example of this. 

“This is not just about giving money, it is about developing relationships with good causes in local communities, and over the past year we have been touched by hundreds of ways in which people have made their own communities better places to be.”

Local causes to received money in this round of pay outs include:
Borders Pet Rescue: £1,615.78
Borders Street Pastors: £3,269.54
Earlston 1st Rainbows: £1,206.40
Earlston baby and toddler group: £1,183.80
Lauder Play Club: £1,380.20
Scout camps: £3,220.63
Stow Kids Club: £1,211.92
Tweed Valley Mountain Rescue Team: £3,584.60
Zaagi: £1,226.95