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Anyone can face financial hardship no matter what their background or income is, but support is out there. 

Together with members and colleagues, Lincolnshire Co-op raised more than £147,000 for financial wellbeing groups that offer help to those facing money worries.

It could be by tackling issues like debt and problems with payday loans, encouraging safe borrowing or helping people access the money they’re entitled to – these groups help in all sorts of ways.

Several charities including the Lincolnshire Credit Union, local Citizens Advice branches, Lincs2Advice, Acts Trust Debt Advice and more were supported through the Society's Community Champions scheme.

The fundraising was launched with a Christmas event day in Lincolnshire Co-op food outlets. Colleagues wore festive jumpers and held games and activities to raise money.

Donations were made through the scheme every time a member shopped in a Lincolnshire Co-op outlet, from December until March. Colleague fundraising and proceeds from the carrier bag levy were also added to the total. 

Collection boxes could be found across Lincolnshire Co-op outlets including food stores, pharmacies, travel branches, funeral homes, coffee shops and post offices.

More funds came through the Big Co-op Christmas Raffle. Lucky customers won big prizes included Lincoln City FC VIP tickets, a lemur experience at Lincolnshire Wildlife Park and an Apple iPad 9.7.

Money was raised for following Community Champions:

• Age UK Lincoln & South Lincolnshire - £14,691
• Hull and East Yorkshire Credit Union Ltd - £1,890
• Bassetlaw Citizens Advice Bureau Ltd - £918
• Union Church Hunstanton - £253
• Citizens Advice North East Lincolnshire - £10,262
• Scarborough & District Citizens Advice Bureau - £729
• The Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution - £4,428
• The Lincolnshire Credit Union Ltd - £13,598
• Acts Trust - £8,766
• The Collingham Advice Centre - £5,040
• Citizens Advice Sherwood & Newark - £8,930
• Lincoln and District Citizens Advice Bureau - £16,477
• Scunthorpe and District Citizens Advice Bureau - £6,503
• Age UK Lindsey - £4,110
• Citizens Advice Lindsey - £19,329
• Citizens Advice South Lincolnshire - £14,371
• Citizens Advice Mid Lincolnshire - £17,340