Tesco is bringing a positive start to South Devon communities’ year by launching a campaign to give good causes part of a £300,000 boost.
From 17 January to 6 February, South Devon listeners of Heart and Smooth radio stations who work with charities or not-for-profit organisations will be encouraged to apply for a £5,000 cash grant.
Priority will be given to projects that provide food and support to young people, such as school breakfast clubs, food banks, or charities supporting young people to manage mental health.
The campaign is running in addition to Tesco Community Grants, the in-store scheme where customers vote with blue tokens for community projects and groups, which has been helping local people since 2016.
Among the South Devon groups to receive funding for recent projects was Newton Abbot Community Interest Company, which put its £1,000 grant towards hosting a festival of creativity at its youth club to encourage children to experience new activities and develop new skills.
Another was Torbay Hospital Radio, which was given £1,000 to upgrade its equipment so it could continue providing quality radio to patients and their loved ones.
Claire de Silva, Head of Community at Tesco, said: “We know the start of the year can be tough for many families financially, so we wanted to find a way to give something extra to the communities our stores support across the country.
“We hope that Heart and Smooth listeners will help us celebrate all the community groups who make such a difference to young people and families, not just in January but year round too. We’re really proud to be launching this new campaign, which is an extra boost to our Tesco Community Grants scheme that already helps thousands of people every year.”
Graham Duxbury, Chief Executive at Groundwork, the charity that works with Tesco on community initiatives, said: “For many people the combination of money worries and the ongoing impact of the pandemic is making the start of 2022 a challenging time.
“That’s why it’s so important that we continue to support the local charities and community groups who work tirelessly to provide essential services and bring people together in neighbourhoods across the country. Money is tight for many of these groups too, so we’re delighted to be working with Tesco to make extra funds available so that they can expand their activities and help more people.”
Heart and Smooth FM presenters, including Jamie Theakston and Jeni Falconer, will be telling listeners how to nominate their favourite groups on air for two weeks from 17 January.
To nominate your chosen charity or community group and to find out more about Tesco Community Grants go to www.tescocommunitygrants.org.uk
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