Co-op Live is marking its first year with the inaugural annual donation of £1 million to its official charity partner, the Co-op Foundation.
The partnership sees a percentage of all ticket sales, partner and premium revenue go directly towards supporting young people and communities across the UK. The donation is part of a long-term charitable commitment.
The donation is helping to fund initiatives, including the Foundation’s Young Gamechangers Fund, which awards grants of up to £20,000 directly to young people aged 10 to 25 who are leading projects that drive positive social change.
Thomas Cockroft, one of the founders of FungALL, is among the funding recipients. The community organisation based in Manchester works with young people in sustainability and mental wellbeing.
Co-op Live will be incorporating FungALL’s own grown mushrooms into special pizzas served in the Co-op Backstage Club during Billie Eilish’s run of shows this July as part of the venue’s fully plant-based food offering, in line with the artist’s commitment to climate action and sustainability.
Guy Dunstan, senior vice president and general manager at Co-op Live, said: “From the start, Co-op Live has been about more than world-class entertainment. Our partnership with Co-op Foundation is helping ensure every gig makes a difference. We’re delighted to deliver on our first annual donation of £1 million to the Co-op Foundation, and even prouder to see the impact in action through projects like FungALL.”
Nick Crofts, chief executive at Co-op Foundation, added: “Young people have bold ideas and deep-rooted passion to build fairer, more sustainable communities. Thanks to the support from Co-op Live and our partners on the Young Gamechangers Fund, we’re backing them with the funding and platform they need to turn vision into reality. FungALL is a brilliant example of what happens when young people are given the support they need to lead.”
See the new edition of Music Week for our interview with Guy Dunstan, senior vice president and general manager, marking the first year of Co-op Live.
PHOTO: Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band performing at Co-op Live (credit: Shirlaine Forrest/Getty Images)
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