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• Kidz R Us Youth Theatre

Kidz R Us Youth Theatre

Kidz R Us, which is based in the former Wesley Chapel in St Ives, has been awarded a £1,000 donation from The Co‑operative Community Dividend fund. The award will be used to fund much needed lighting equipment.

Philip Barnett, trustee and director of Kidz R Us, said: “We are most grateful to The Co‑operative for this award. We have hardly any lighting lanterns which makes it difficult to teach our young people about lighting.” The theatre group was established over 10 years ago and began life as a group that formed for a one-off performance. It now has more than 100 members and a waiting list of a further 100.

Philip added: “Our group is totally inclusive and provides important recreational and creative opportunities for children and young people in Penwith, many of whom come from significantly deprived areas.”

By using our shops, members receive a share in all the profits we make. Lots of members choose to donate their share to the Community Dividend fund so they can support local groups like the Kidz R Us in their area. Anyone can become a member. Find out more about The Co-operative Membership.

The donation comes from The Co‑operative Community Fund. Just over £1m is available annually to support charities and community groups in regions across the UK, with local members’ committees allocating the awards throughout the year based on a set of values and principles such as social responsibility and caring for others.

The Co‑operative Group regional secretary Andrew North said: “We are delighted to support Kidz R Us with this award. The Community Fund is a great opportunity for shoppers to put something back into the area where they live. We welcome contact from organisations who wish to apply for an award of between £100 and £5,000.