SHOPPERS’ carrier bags have helped a host of organisations support the borough’s vulnerable residents.
Tesco has shared a £10,000 Covid-19 community fund with 20 different groups thanks to its Bags of Help initiative – which sees the cost of a plastic bag donated to charities.
Each of the groups has been given £500 to help with the increased demand or disruption to their services as a result of lockdown, or to fund new community services.
Good causes in Wokingham that have benefitted include Younger People With Dementia, Las Marias, CLASP and Just Around the Corner.
Claire De Silva, head of community at Tesco, said: “Due to the sustained need for the emergency support we’ve seen from community groups, we took the decision to extend the deadline for the £500 grant scheme beyond the original 12-week mark, and we’ve been really impressed by the number of groups we’ve been able to help locally.
“It’s excellent to see that the grants have helped support thousands of groups across the UK.
“Over the next few months, we’ve extended our Bags of Help funding round this year to youth groups, which could qualify for some financial support to the tune of £1,000.”
Youth groups that can apply include those supporting mental health, offering outdoor and educational activities, helping young carers, providing bereavement counselling, and assisting those in poverty or at risk.
On the additional round for youth groups, Jess McCulloch, Tesco communications manager for the South East, said: “Although the £500 grants have made a real differenceto a range of charities, we’ve extended our support further.
“Young people have been among those most impacted by the pandemic, with schools closing and many missing out on all-important services impacted by lockdown.
“That’s why we’re encouraging any groups in Wokingham working to support children and young people to apply for this new funding.
“We hope it can make a real difference to the lives of many.”
Over the past six months the grants, which form part of the retailer’s £30 million package of support, have been given to more than 8,000 groups across the UK and have totalled over £4million.
The process is managed through Tesco’s partner charity Groundworks.
To apply, visit: www.tescobagsofhelp.org.uk
