The results are in after Tesco customers cast their votes this summer to help community projects in Cumbria and Lancashire bag up to £25,000.
The supermarket is marking its Centenary year with two special Bags of Help funding rounds, with a huge £100,000 funding pot in Lancashire.
The first of these special rounds concentrated on groups delivering health and wellbeing benefits. In first place, CancerCare has been awarded £25,000, in second place, Cardiac Risk in the Young has been awarded £15,000 and, in third place, My Colourful Memories has been awarded £10,000.
CancerCare is a unique independent charity dedicated to helping families affected by cancer. CancerCare’s wide range of free professional therapy services are designed to help individuals and their families come to terms with and manage the challenges of a serious health condition.
One of their most recent projects ‘I’m not alone’ empowers teens affected by bereavement from cancer by providing activities, support and a community of young people facing similar experiences.
Alison Dixey, Head of Services at CancerCare, said: “A huge thank you to the amazing staff and customers at Tesco stores across Lancashire for taking part in the Tesco Centenary Bags of Help voting. Your amazing support will help pay for counselling for young people, organise residential activities aimed at increasing young people’s confidence and even contribute towards the purchase of a minibus to allow young people in geographically dispersed areas access our services.
“The death of a parent or loved one can have a devastating long-term impact on a child’s life including increased chances of drug and alcohol abuse, poor mental health and even suicide attempts. Our work so far has offered activities such as music, art, dance, outdoor challenges, woodwork, and yoga, empowering young people to access counselling support as well as combating the isolation involved in losing a loved one.”
Keith Jackson, Tesco’s Bags of Help Manager, added: “Congratulations to the recipients of our first Centenary Grant voting round. They are all worthy winners and we hope these awards help them continue their important work in our communities.
“In 2019, we are celebrating a century of delivering great value for our customers. And what better way to celebrate this occasion than by using our flagship community grant scheme, Bags of Help to support even more groups and organisations who are helping to make a difference across Britain.”
The first special Bags of Help rounds concentrated on groups with a particular focus on groups tackling cancer, heart disease and diabetes, in line with Tesco’s National Health Partnership.
Another voting round is underway in stores now, with even more projects sharing in the cash. Customers are invited to vote for the project they wish to receive the top prize using blue tokens handed out at checkouts.
The funding will reach more than 30 regions, with an incredible £3,300,000 up for grabs in total.
Find out more about Bags of Help at www.tesco.com/bagsofhelp.
