Southern Co-op is calling on local people in Sidcup to nominate a local charitable project or community group that they think is worthy of a £1000 cheque on the opening day of a new store followed by a fundraising partnership.

The call comes from the store at 51 The Oval, which opens on 21st June, as part of Southern Co-op’s ‘Love Your Neighbourhood’ scheme.

Locals have until Friday 16th June to nominate the cause closest to their hearts and their homes, as they are asked to think of a project which will really benefit the local community with the thousand pound donation, as well as a longer term fundraising partnership with the new store. This could be any local cause and is not limited to registered charities.

People wishing to nominate should do so at: http://www.thesouthernco-operative.co.uk/sidcup/ - and a cause will be chosen before the new store opens. The project must meet the ‘Love Your Neighbourhood’ themes outlined below.

The charity or community group selected will be invited to participate in a photo call at 10am on 21st June.

‘Love Your Neighbourhood’ is The Southern Co-operative’s community engagement programme. This initiative addresses four key social themes, as identified by a survey of over 4,000 members and colleagues, for promoting: ‘Greener Neighbourhoods’, ‘Healthier Neighbourhoods’, ‘Safer Neighbourhoods’, and ‘More Inclusive Neighbourhoods’.

Charities and community groups can also apply for cash donations or goods in kind through the ‘Love Your Neighbourhood’ scheme which is funded by the 5p single-use carrier bag levy. For more information on how to apply, please speak to your local store’s manager, or visit: http://www.thesouthernco-operative.co.uk/makingadifference/love-your-neighbourhood/.

The Southern Co-operative’s new store at The Oval will be home to an extensive fresh food offer with a great choice of fresh and chilled foods including fresh meat and fish, pizzas and ready meals. A food to go selection includes real Italian Lavazza coffee to takeaway and an in-store bakery will bake loaves and pastries fresh every day. Southern Co-op is committed to British farmers and all the fresh meat it sells is 100 per cent British, including the meat used in sandwiches, snacks and ready meals. All strawberries and raspberries in store this summer will be 100 per cent British and at their seasonal, delicious best.

Submitted by Kate Nilski