A CHARITY has been given a helping hand to stage a historic drama in Rhos and Mold next month.
The Co-operative has donated £1,250 from its Community Fund to help Age Concern North East Wales commission 'We'll Keep A Welcome', which tells the story of three children who joined the mass exodus of 130,000 youngsters evacuated from a war-threaten
ed Liverpool to North Wales in 1939.
The play, by Michael Stevens, will be on at the Stiwt Theatre in Rhos from June 6 to 8 as part of the 2008 Wrexham Arts Festival, and at Clwyd Theatr Cymru, Mold, from June 12 to 14.
Age Concern NE Wales chief officer Margaret Hanson said: "This play is based on real life accounts and we have worked closely with older people in the community to share their memories of this life-changing experience, when they embarked on a short but momentous journey to Wales.
"By staging this play, we can educate younger members of the community about their older neighbours' experiences.
"Involving older people also gives them the chance to get involved in the community and build their sense of worth and confidence.
"We would like to thank the Co-operative for its support on this project."
The Co-operative's Community Fund is part of the Co-op Group's membership share of profits scheme which allows Co-operative members to donate all or part of their twice yearly payouts to worthy causes.
The fund offers grants between £100 and £5,000 with local Co-operative members' committees allocating awards based on a set of values and principles such as social responsibility and caring for others.
About £100,000 is available annually to support charities and community groups in Wales. Application forms can be picked up in store.
"The Community Fund can make a real and lasting contribution to local communities and we are delighted to make this award to Age Concern North East Wales," said Carey Davidson, chairman of the Co-operative North Wales area committee.
"Many community groups share our co-operative values and could benefit from an award, and we would certainly welcome their applications."
For further information and tickets phone Rhos box office on 01978 841300 or Mold box office on 0845 330 3565.
The full article contains 392 words and appears in Evening Leader Wrexham newspaper.
