Autism group hope to bag garden cash HI-BABS aiming for playhouse and outdoor space

HI-BABS (High Blantye Autistic Base Supporters) is bidding to bag a massive cash boost from the Tesco Bags of Help initiative.

Tesco teamed up with Groundwork to launch its community funding scheme, which sees grants of £4000, £2000 and £1000 – raised from carrier bag sales in Tesco stores - being awarded to local community projects.

And three groups in every Tesco region, including HI-BABS, have been shortlisted to receive the cash award and shoppers are being invited to head along to Tesco stores to vote for who they think should take away the top grant.

HI-BABS, based at High Blantyre Primary School, are working hard for the votes in a bid to secure the funding to purchase an outdoor playhouse with a garden for growing an array of plants and flowers.

Voting is open in all Tesco stores throughout November and December. Customers will cast their vote using a token given to them at the check-out in store each time they shop.

A spokeswoman for HI-BABS told the Advertiser: “HI-BABS are a local charity who represent the children who attend the ASN base within High Blantyre Primary School. The group was established in 2012 and our main objective is to help the children advance in any way we can, whether this be by funding yoga sessions or taking the children on outdoor trips.

“We hope to help further advance their development and this money would go a long way in helping us to achieve this. If successful the money will be used to develop an outdoor play house and garden for growing.

“Can we please ask next time your in store if you could please donate your blue token to HI-BABS. Our children are truly unique and fantastic in everyway.”

Tony Mcelroy, Tesco’s head of communications in Scotland, said: “We are absolutely delighted to open the voting for November and December. There are some fantastic projects on the shortlists and we can’t wait to see these come to life in hundreds of communities.”

The stores taking part are the following Tesco Express’ in Hamilton, Hillhouse, Cambuslang and Uddingston.