Community groups cash in from carrier bag scheme
Community groups in West Lothian have been boosted by over £100,000 thanks to a supermarket scheme.
Since 2015, Tesco’s Bags of Help community programme has provided over 10,000 community groups across the UK with over £43million of funding.
In West Lothian, this includes more than £110,000 of funding given directly to 26 community groups.
Tesco customers get the chance to vote for three different groups every time they shop using the blue token given to them at checkouts.
Every other month, when votes are collected, three groups in each of Tesco’s regions will be awarded funding of £1000 to £4000.
Tony McElroy, Tesco’s head of communications for Scotland, said:“The projects are making a big difference and the dedication of the groups we’ve supported is really inspirational.
“We’re looking forward to giving a Bags of Help boost to even more projects in the future.”
Tesco work with environmental charity Groundwork and greenspace scotland to run Bags of Help.
Emma Halliday, of greenspace scotland, said:“Since the initiative started we have seen some amazing projects come to fruition and it’s great to know the impressive scale the programme has on reaching communities that need extra funds to make where they live a better place to be.
“It’s exciting to know that this positive impact can continue and we look forward to seeing even more local communities apply for grants and creating innovative projects that help local people and places.”
Grants are available to community groups and charities looking to fund local projects that bring benefits to communities. Anyone can nominate a project and organisations can apply online.