Community groups get ‘bags of help’ for their work
THREE community groups are to benefit from thousands of pounds from Tesco’s Bags of Help scheme after a vote by the supermarket’s customers in Bridgend.
Representatives from Bridge Mentoring Scheme, which supports vulnerable young people, Tondu United Football Club, and Cowbridge Community Allotments were invited to their local store to celebrate winning funding from the Bags of Help scheme, which is funded by the sale of carrier bags in store.
Nikki Elward, community champion at Tesco Bridgend, said: “Our customers have been voting on which of the three projects they would like to receive funding for their scheme. We’re really pleased to have been able to invite all three groups into the store, and hear more about their plans for their donations.”
As a result of the Bags of Help voting in store, The Bridge Mentoring Scheme has received a £4,000 grant to create disabled access to their garden, so wheelchair users can build raised flower beds.
Tondu Football Club has received a £1,990 grant which will be spent on equipment and a training education course for their volunteers.
Cowbridge Community Allotments has received £1,000 to enable one large polytunnel to be purchased, benefitting the many community groups and individuals that use the allotments.
Simon Charlesworth, from The Bridge Mentoring Scheme, said: “This project will bring together people with varying needs from all over the borough of Bridgend.
“We hope to start work on the project on January 18 when participants can plan what they want to plant before the garden is prepared for winter and the start of the growing season in the new year.”
Nikki added: “Throughout 2018, we’ll be getting regular updates from all three groups on the development of their projects, and also visiting them.
“We’re looking for- ward to seeing how these groups are improving the Bridgend area, and it’s been great to hear all about the exciting plans they have for the funding.”