FOUR Wee County charities have been awarded grants totalling £6,920 from Asda Alloa.
Ochil Community Hall Management, Forth Valley Riding for the Disabled, Alva Parklands Centre and Sauchie Active 8 received funding as part of the latest round of giveaways from the Scottish 5p carrier bag charge. In partnership with Foundation Scotland, Asda is distributing half of the proceeds of the Scottish Government’s charge through Asda carrier bag community grants, which provide up to £2,000 for local projects and good causes.
Local groups apply for funding and, to ensure the grants are as locally relevant as possible, regional selection panels comprised of Asda colleagues help to choose the projects to benefit.
Joanna Scobie, community life champion at Asda Alloa, said: “We want the carrier bag charge to have long-term social and environmental benefits, and we want to ensure the funds raised are spent locally.
“By working with Foundation Scotland, we can ensure that the bag charge benefits small projects and good causes that matter most to our local community. It’s fantastic to see the positive impact it’s already making in Alloa.”
Forth Valley Riding for the Disabled will be using their £1,420 to help with running costs, such as horse care, in order to continue providing this activity.
Meanwhile, Alva Parklands Centre will be using the £1,500 awarded to purchase new office supplies, allowing them to continue their work with members of the local community.
Sauchie Active 8 will be using their £2,000 towards the cost of a Christmas dinner and entertainment for their young football players.
For Ochil Community Hall Management, the £2,000 in funding will contribute to the cost of a support worker to run a range of facilities offered.
Gillian Smith, support worker at Ochil Community Hall management committee SCIO, said: “We’re delighted that our application for an Asda carrier bag community grant was successful. The funds will definitely have a positive impact in our local community.
“We are a unique little place – Alloa doesn’t have any other resource like our community hall and thankfully this Asda grant will enable us to keep going strong.
"We have already introduced two new children’s groups this year and our next plan is to introduce a lunch club for elderly members of the community.”
Asda’s carrier bag community grants can help meet a wide range of costs for community groups, including general running costs, training, equipment and materials and even local community activities and events.
It’s quick and easy to apply and it’s not just for registered charities.
The website at www.foundationscotland.org.uk/asda has more information on the eligibility criteria and how to apply.