STAFF at Crest Co-operative attended a reception on Monday, June 10 at 10 Downing Street to receive their Big Society Award, and meet the Prime Minister.
Crest Co-operative is a sustainable recycling social enterprise, operating a number of recycling initiatives. Crest works to divert functional, household and electrical goods and food away from landfill. Restored household items are sold in two community stores at affordable costs and food is distributed to homeless and vulnerable people through Crest’s FareShare North Wales project. The process creates employment for the long-term unemployed, people with disabilities, and ex-offenders, who work in their warehouses and stores at Crest Co-operative.
Prime Minister David Cameron said: “These awards are a chance to pay tribute to those making a valuable contribution to their community, the real champions of the Big Society, but perhaps more importantly, I hope they will motivate many others to take action, get involved and drive change in their area.”
Sharon Jones, Chief Executive of Crest Co-operative, said: “Visiting 10 Downing Street was a wonderful experience. We were honoured to be selected for a Big Society Award.
“We spoke to David Cameron about our work in the community and he congratulated us. We were informed we were only the second Welsh non-profit organisation to be selected, since the awards began in 2010, which is fantastic.”
A total of 77 organisations have been honoured with a Big Society Award since 2010.