VISITORS to two supermarkets in Wokingham and Crowthorne can vote for three new good causes when they finish their shopping.
To vote, shoppers simply post blue tokens they receive at the checkout into a voting unit as they leave the store.
There are always three local charities to choose from, with new causes and groups selected every three months.
At the end of the period, tokens are counted, and all three charities receive a proportion of Tesco’s Community Grant.
This can amount to a total of £3,000 every three months.
Louise Jedras, community champion at Tesco Wokingham says: “Depending what projects the charities are applying for, and how much support they are seeking, the winning group can win up to £1,500.”
The two runners up also receive grants of £1,000 and £500.
During April, May and June, Tesco shoppers can vote for bereavement charity CruseSupport; local sight loss group, Berkshirevision; and 3rd Wokingham Guide Unit, which meets at Wokingham Methodist Church.
CruseSupport is hoping to receive a grant to help them support bereaved children and young people in the area who are struggling with the death of a loved one.
Berkshire Vision has applied for support for its children and young people’s programme.
This allows blind and partially sighted youngsters to develop skills and spend time with peers.
The 3rd Wokingham Guides are seeking support to buy new equipment and to subsidise a big adventure.
“We’re always pleased to be able to support new good causes,” says Louise.
“There are so many worthy local groups.
“They are usually chosen by a panel, and we’re always torn in two trying to choose between them.”
Tesco Community Grants help to fund local projects across the country.
Since 2016 the scheme has supported over 50,000 community groups with more than £100 million in grants.
Charities, good causes and community organisations can all apply for the grant.
Shoppers will be able to vote for the three local groups at voting units in both Tesco Wokingham, and Crowthorne Tesco Express.
“I’m looking forward to talking with the new charities about their projects,” says Louise.
“I’m excited to hear about what they are doing, and how Tesco can support their work.
“We’re always looking for more charities to apply, and we’d love to hear from more groups seeking support from our community grant.”
For information about April, May and June’s Tesco charities, visit:
CruseSupport: www.cruse.org.uk
Berkshire Vision: www.berkshirevision.org.uk
3rd Wokingham Guides: www.wokinghammethodist.org.uk
Charities and local groups wanting to apply for the Tesco Community Grant should visit: www.tescocommunitygrants.org.uk
