Crowborough Community First Responders call out for votes to bag a share of bag fund

CROWBOROUGH COMMUNITY FIRST RESPONDERS are bidding to bag a massive cash boost from the Tesco Bags of Help initiative.

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

CROWBOROUGH COMMUNITY FIRST RESPONDERS are one of the groups on the shortlist.

As specially trained volunteers responding to 999 calls with South East Coast Ambulance, we rely on funds for the purchase of the lifesaving equipment carried by our team, and the ongoing training and development of the team.

Team Leader, Leigh Westwood, said:

“This is a fantastic opportunity for the role of Community First Responders to be highlighted. Some people will never have heard about us or what we do, or be surprised to learn that there are teams across the country volunteering their support to their local ambulance service. Personally, I also act as Area Co-Ordinator for 10 teams in West Kent alone, and raising the profile of one team I am confident will undoubtedly have a knock on effect to others.”

Deputy Team Leader, Nicki Pointer, said:

“We are very pleased that the application to be a part of this initiative has been successful and thank you to Tesco for all their support. The money will potentially provide funds for 3 new Community First Responders. Our role can and does help save lives, alongside the CPR training sessions we hold for members of the public and school children. We also actively work to place Public Access Defibrillators into the local community.”

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

Tesco’s Bags of Help project has already delivered over £33 million to more than 6,400 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 September and October. 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