The UK’s largest retailer has announced its plan to provide a £30 million package of support to local communities across the country, with a £500 grant available for local groups in Cardiff.
In a recent letter to colleagues and customers, Tesco’s CEO Dave Lewis outlined plans to provide £30 million of support for local communities including £25 million in food donations.
To further help local communities, a Bags of Help COVID-19 Community Fund has been created which aims to support as many groups as possible across the country with grants of £500.
One of the first charities to benefit from the funding in Cardiff is cancer charity Maggie’s. The centre, which has locations across the UK, provides pastoral care to those with cancer and their families.
Since the start of the Coronavirus pandemic, the Bags of Help funding that Maggie’s received has allowed the charity to adapt and overhaul its operations. From providing face-to-face support in centres, to care via telephone, email and online, as people with cancer need to isolate now more so than ever.
Rhodri Evans, Tesco’s Communities Manager for Wales said: “It’s important for us to reach people who need our help across our local community. This funding will be directly provided to those food banks, charities and groups who need it more than ever. We’re also supporting the Government’s programme to feed the most vulnerable, through our online grocery service and donating £3million worth of meals a month.
“We’re doing everything we can to provide food for all at this difficult time and hopefully the £500 Bags of Help grant will help those groups still committed to helping others during this uncertain time.”
Graham Duxbury, CEO of Groundwork UK, said: “We know that small amounts of money provided quickly could make a real difference to local charities supporting vulnerable and isolated members of the community and this is why we’re pleased to have changed the Bags of Help programme to provide rapid support where it’s needed most.
“Bags of Help will now provide £500 grants that will support groups to buy much needed supplies, shift to remote working or simply compensate for the loss of fundraising income. Whatever is needed to help them make a difference in their organisations – and their communities – at this difficult time.”
Any groups that would benefit from this funding are encouraged to apply here. The process is managed through Tesco’s partner charity Groundwork: www.tescobagsofhelp.org.uk
