Charitable work

As a co-operative, we feel that we have an important role to play in our local community.
We contribute time and resources to a variety of local charities and we’re proud to offer flexible working to our staff, to allow them to support causes close to their hearts as well. 

Dumfriesshire Foodbank

Dumfriesshire Foodbank provides nutritionally balanced emergency food and support to local people who are referred to them in crisis. They are part of a nationwide network of foodbanks, supported by The Trussell Trust, working to combat poverty and hunger across the UK.

The Wood Fuel Co-operative supports the work of the Foodbank in a number of ways. In the winter of 2016-17 we donated 1,000 ‘Cosy Night In’ boxes, for the Foodbank to sell. These were sold from our shop and the forecourt of our local Tesco petrol station (who kindly donated prime retail space), with all proceeds going directly to the foodbank.

We now offer an option where local customers can join the Wood Fuel Co-operative by donating £50 to the Foodbank, in return for lifetime honorary membership. Since January 2017, our members have donated over £8000 to the Dumfriesshire Foodbank under this scheme.

These projects mean that we have already donated hundreds of pounds to the Foodbank, helping them to buy the vital supplies that are not donated by the public. Every penny we raise goes to help local people in crisis.

Winter Warmth for Older People Project

The Winter Warmth for Older People Project is run by The Hub, a local community action centre in Dumfries, the Community Payback Unit (Dumfries & Galloway Council), and local landowners.

The project delivers free firewood to older people on low incomes in Dumfries & Galloway each winter.

Over the winter months, we donate about ten tonnes of wood fuel to the Winter Warmth Project. The fuel is then distributed for free to those who need it.

Dumfries & Galloway Blood Bikes

Dumfries & Galloway Blood Bikes is a charitable organisation set up by local volunteers to deliver essential blood and urgent medical supplies, in and out of hours, between hospitals and healthcare sites in South West Scotland and sometimes beyond.

We offer Blood Bike volunteers free honorary membership of the Wood fuel Co-operative, as a recognition of the important work they do for our local community. To claim your free membership, please bring your Blood Bike ID to our office.

NHS Dumfries & Galloway

All Dumfries and Galloway NHS staff are eligible for free honorary membership of the Wood Fuel Co-operative. This is as a thank you to the staff who looked after Rowland when he was very ill in 2015. If you are a member of D&G NHS staff, claim your free membership by bringing your NHS ID to our office.