TWO Cumbrian charities have been awarded a share of a £9,000 funding pot, thanks to Lakes & Dales Coop Community Connect award scheme.

Following an in-store member vote, the results were announced at an event at the Shap farmer’s market in Cumbria, which also included fun activities such as a family colouring competition and a raffle to help raise money for Lakes & Dales Coop’s charity partners.

Both the Cumbria Deaf Association and New Hartley Food Pantry and HOPE received a £2,000 award to support them in making a difference to the lives of others.

Caroline Howsley, General Manager at Cumbria Death Association, said: “We are so grateful for this award, the funding will really help us deliver deaf awareness and basic sign language in the heart of the rural community its stores serve in Cumbria. We intend to encourage other groups in the Lakes & Dales to apply for Community Connect as it is a really supportive process."

The projects were shortlisted by the community retailer to receive the lifeline financial support, helping them to continue carrying out work within their communities.

Christine Barrell, Food Pantry volunteer, said: “We are delighted to have been one of the groups to receive funding from Lakes and Dales Co-op. It will make a real difference and help us to buy more fresh produce for the people who we support as well as offer more meal to those in isolation out in the community.”