Big on your community! Over 3,500 local causes across Ireland share donation of €1 million since the launch of Tesco Community Fund
As it turns out, being big is not such a bad thing. With 149 stores, Tesco Ireland has found a way to do lots of little things that make a big difference, like supporting thousands of causes all across the country.So far, over 3,500 local good causes have shared a donation of €1,000,000 since the launch of the Community Fund initiative last year, and Tesco is now calling for more nominations countrywide.
Over the last 12 months, customer’s blue token votes have revealed what causes matter most to their communities, with almost 300 different types of causes being put forward for the fund.The ‘home of hurling’ stayed true to its name with Tipperary shoppers backing more local GAA clubs than their neighbouring counties, but Kildare too packed a punch championing their local community Boxing Clubs.
Further south, the Cork community were quick to show their favour for their furry friends with Animal Welfare causes topping the poll, while Clare shoppers swung their votes in support of community playgrounds. Louth drummed up support for local Brass Bands while the community in Wexford rallied to give a little help to Elderly Care Services.
In the west of Ireland, Mayo customers get top marks for their support of the local community schools. Elsewhere, the ‘Crystal City’ shoppers came together to help their local Community Centres which were damaged by a fire earlier this year, with the five Tesco stores in Waterford pooling their funds to support a renovation campaign – the true meaning of community spirit!
Let’s keep it going!
In 2009, The Irish Nonprofits Knowledge Exchange (INKEx)* reported that there are at least 11,900 non-profit organisation in Ireland. In the last year, the Community Fund has supported 3,500 or almost a third of similar causes and community groups – that’s thousands of little differences being made to causes ranging from animal shelters, elderly care services, intellectual disability support groups, community crèches, local fundraisers, schools, sports clubs and even to help an abandoned donkey.
Henry Dummer, Marketing Director Tesco Ireland said: “As one of Ireland’s biggest retailers, some people might feel we’re too big to care, but we’re big on the things that matter to our customers, community being one of them. And with 149 stores we have a unique opportunity to help thousands of community causes across Ireland through our Community Fund.”
“Our customers are the driving force behind the initiative, deciding who in their community deserves a little help, and that’s why it works. So we would urge everyone to keep this going and nominate a cause that could do with a little boost or that simply deserves some recognition for the great service it provides to the local area.”
Tesco customers or colleagues can still support a cause that means something to them or to their local community, be it fixing a leaky roof in the community centre or supporting running costs of a local hospice. Simply fill out a form, nominate them in-store and every 8 weeks, three local causes will be selected for the Tesco Community Fund.
Using the little blue tokens, customers can also decide which cause they would like to support by voting each time they shop. And at the end of each phase, up to €1,000 is shared proportionally between the three local causes. So make someone’s day, because every little blue token really does help.
Tags: tesco
