MEMBER Pioneers are part of the staff team at many Co-op stores and have a crucial part to play as they liaise and co-operate with local communities to identify what could really make a difference in local well-being.

They bring together Co-op members, colleagues and local causes to make their community a better place in which to work, play, live and learn.

In Thurrock one of the most active pioneer members is Claire Mason, who works three days a week at the Co-op's Socketts Heath store on Lodge Lane.

Claire has been extremely active in supporting the current three good causes which benefit from the Co-op's community charity scheme and is a focal point linking the store with West Thurrock Girl Guides, Thurrock Play Network and the Friends of Treetops School.

Each transaction by Co-op members means a small donation goes to the charities - which have been nominated by customers.

Claire is the sort of person happy to go the extra mile and recently supported another of the Co-op's good causes MIND, by baking cakes to be sold in the store.

She said: "A big thanks to everyone for supporting this event where a total of £174.22 was raised for MIND - the Co-op's national charity for 2020."

And Claire explained why she loves her community role, saying: "It's really rewarding to be able to help so many people while you are doing your job and our regular customers are really great and get behind us."

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Thurrock Nub News is looking forward to working with Claire to support and promote all the Co-op's good causes.

To find out more about being a Member Pioneer click here.