CRiBS is 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.

CRiBS is one of the groups on the shortlist.

CRiBS’ ‘Boys’ Noise’ and ‘b:You’ projects are both hoping to raise as much as possible for children in the Bexley borough. The projects help primary children who are struggling at school perhaps through bereavement, bullying, lack of confidence or other issues. Team leader Jerry Nelson says: ‘Our projects normally offer small group work and after-school clubs, but this funding will allow us to extend the work and provide survival skills days too. Getting out into the countryside and learning survival skills is a great way to build confidence, encourage team work and support boys and girls in building the soft skills that are so important in life. The more we raise the more children we can help. Please vote for us in store and check out what Boys Noise and b:You are all about at www.cribsonline.org’ 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

Submitted by Karen Jefferys