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Lorraine celebrates the International Day of Co-operatives
posted on 03/07/2009
Lorraine Barrett AM for Cardiff South and Penarth recently hosted an event at the Assembly to celebrate the International Day of Co-operatives.
The International Day of Co-operatives is traditionally held on the first Saturday in July and its aim is to increase awareness on co-operatives, promote the movement's successes and strengthen and extend partnerships. The Co-operative is a global movement which has a positive impact on millions of lives all over the world.
There were a wide range of co-operatives at the event in the Senedd from all over Wales from Cardiff and Vale Credit Union to First Milk which is based in Pembrokeshire.
Lorraine said "As a Co-operative/ Labour Assembly Member I have supported Co-operatives for many years and was delighted to be able to host the event. I was pleased that so many different co-operatives from all over Wales could attend as well as Assembly Members from the four political parties.
I was pleased to see Cardiff and the Vale Credit Union at the event, as credit unions are providing an ever more friendly, local option, particularly in times of economic hardship as we are experiencing at present - and surplus money is always reinvested or redistributed and never leaves the community.
The other co-operatives were ProMo Cymru, Cycle Training Wales and Makers Guild in Wales. ProMo Cymru aims to develop young people to their fullest potential by providing business support and advice. The Makers Guild in Wales which exhibits work at their permanent exhibition venue, Craft in the Bay produces top quality craft items from knitwear to ceramics and everything in between. Cycle Training Wales offers training for schools and for adults and also provides support for cycle-friendly employers - their moto is ' you're never too old to learn! '. First Milk from Pembrokeshire were offering samples of their very tasty cheeses which were lovely!
The day was a huge success and we were also grateful to Simon Harries, Chief Executive of the Wales Co-operative Centre and Mike Ash-Edwards, from the Co-operative Group, who both spoke at the event to explain the crucial role that Co-operatives can play in the economy of Wales."
