All we want for Christmas

The carols are in the air, the sprouts are on the grocery shelves – it can only mean one thing. Christmas.

In these uncertain times it can feel hard to think too far ahead, but we spoke to the team and asked what they’d be asking Santa for. Can you spot the theme running through their wishlists?

Operations and FCA Compliance Manager Alain says,

“All I’d like for Christmas is to help communities to help themselves. This can be done by investing in shares in ICC that enables vital neighbourhood regeneration, access to services and jobs through viable community businesses models, allowing your money to work for change across Britain. Happy Christmas!”

Business Development Manager Tim is thinking of festive cheer and says, ‘All I’d like for Christmas is to see the total number of pubs taken into community ownership by Christmas 2019 exceed 100, and perhaps I could ask that there be over 380 shops in community ownership supporting rural and neighbourhood communities too.’

Investment manager Ian has gone all out and we can’t really disagree:

‘I would like for Christmas: A new bike from Edinburgh bike co-op, a Falkirk Foundry Garden bench from Specialised Castings, a food hamper from Rice Up, Book vouchers for October Books, a case of beer from Boundary Brewing Co-op, Organic CBD Coconut Oil from Hempen … oh, is it not just about me?  I guess then I’d like people to create positive change by buying their Christmas presents from their local workers co-op.’

Finally, Accounting and Administration Manager Anne says, ‘All I would like for Christmas is to establish stronger partnerships with other institutions to provide co-ops & community owned businesses with not only financing opportunities tailored to their needs but also the financial tools they need to serve their communities.’

Whatever you’re hoping for this Christmas, we hope it includes peace, love, rest and connections with people you care about – and present you can give, receive, enjoy and see the meaning in.