Gladiators call out for votes to bag a share of Tesco’s bag fund

Tesco teamed up with Groundwork to launch its community funding scheme, which sees grants of up to £4,000, up to £2,000 and £1,000 raised from carrier bag sales in Tesco stores awarded to local community projects.

Three groups in every Tesco region have been shortlisted to receive the cash award and shoppers are being invited to head along to Tesco stores to vote for who they think should take away the top grant.

Chester Gladiators is one of the groups on the shortlist.

The club's project will support the development of rugby league in the city through providing free taster events and the creation of new junior teams and a Masters team for over 35s

Jim Green, Chairman of Chester Gladiators, said: "We're over the moon to be shortlisted for a Tesco Bags of Help award.

"This project will allow us to build our capacity and continue to grow our club, increasing participation in sport and creating new opportunities that will improve physical and mental health, create new friendships and build confidence as well as developing specific skills.

"We are encouraging our members and the wider community to visit Tesco stores during January and February and use their token to vote for Chester Gladiators."

Voting is open in Tesco stores throughout January and February. Customers will cast their vote using a token given to them at the check-out in store each time they shop in the following stores:

Tesco, Sealand Road
Tesco, Chester City Centre
Tesco, Broughton
Tesco Express, Pepper Street
Tesco Express, Weston Grove
Tesco Express, Delamere Street

Tesco’s Bags of Help project has already delivered over £40 million to 9,700 projects up and down the UK. Tesco customers get the chance to vote for three different groups every time they shop. Every other month, when votes are collected, three groups in each of Tesco’s regions will be awarded funding.

Alec Brown, Head of Community at Tesco, said: “We are absolutely delighted to open the voting for January and February. There are some fantastic projects on the shortlists and we can’t wait to see these come to life in hundreds of communities.”

Groundwork’s National Chief Executive, Graham Duxbury, said: “We’ve been thrilled to see the diversity of projects that have applied for funding, ranging from outdoor classrooms, sports facilities, community gardens, play areas and everything in between.

“We’re looking forward to learning the results of the customer vote and then supporting each group to bring their project to life.”

Funding is available to community groups and charities looking to fund local projects that bring benefits to communities. Anyone can nominate a project and organisations can apply online. To find out more visit www.tesco.com/bagsofhelp.

Updated 01:25 - 1 Sep 2019 by Jim Green