Community cashback scheme returns

RETAILER SPAR NI has announced the return of its Community Cashback Grant, which will this year benefit even more organisations from across Northern Ireland.

£20,000 will this year be split between 20 organisations, charities and community groups, selected from applications, which are open now.

It is the fifth year the initiative has been available to organisations across Northern Ireland, after SPAR NI introduced the grants in 2020 when community groups and charities felt the huge hit of lockdown. It was rolled out across the UK from 2022.

Last year, a £10,000 grant was awarded to Air Ambulance NI which enabled the charity to keep the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) in the sky for an additional two days per year. £5,000 was received by SOS Bus NI, which was put towards upgrading their first aid bus, ensuring medical equipment and provisions are adequate for all needs.

Three further organisations received a £1,000 grant each: Street Soccer NI in Coleraine, Heartbeat NI based in Newry and Pretty ‘n Pink, which has offices and information points in both Belfast and Portadown.

Bronagh Luke, Head of Corporate Marketing at Henderson Group which owns SPAR NI, said they’re thrilled to be able to reach even more organisations this year; She commented: “Where for the past five years we’ve had five recipients per year, the rise in applications year on year has shown there is a need for many more organisations to benefit from the Community Cashback Grant, which we’re delighted to be able to do this year.

“Each applicant is making a difference* in their local community or providing a vital service that could even be lifesaving for all in Northern Ireland. This is a unique opportunity for organisations of all sizes to get involved and get a much needed injection of funds.

“There are over 300 SPAR stores in Northern Ireland, each dedicated to supporting their local charities and community groups, with our store teams going beyond their work in-store to engage with their local communities and nurturing their neighbourhoods.”