Spar’s Community Cashback campaign has given £96k to 23 local charities and community groups across the UK. Oversized cheques were the order of the day earlier this month, as the retailer celebrated the fifth successful year of the initiative. The scheme puts grant funding directly into the hands of grassroots organisations.
Funding distributed across the regions
AF Blakemore, the Spar wholesaler for the Midlands, South England and Wales, awarded a combined £38k across five community organisations. The top grants of £10k each went to RNLI Margate lifeboat station in Kent and Penryn Rugby Football Club in Cornwall. In addition, £6k grants supported the Pathway Project in the Midlands, the Children’s Sailing Trust in Cornwall and The Dragon Theatre in Barmouth, North Wales.
Claire Johnson at the RNLI said the money will allow the team to keep saving lives by supporting the rebuild of their lifeboat station and lifeguard facility. With so many people visiting Margate and the surrounding beaches, the station continues to have a critical role and is an invaluable asset to the town.
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James Hall, the Spar wholesaler for the North of England, awarded a combined £25k to nine local causes. The top grant of £10k went to Behind Closed Doors, a Leeds-based charity providing support to survivors of domestic abuse. A further £5k was awarded to Maryport Rescue for its search and rescue operations in Cumbria.
Henderson Group, the Spar wholesaler for Northern Ireland, awarded seven organisations across the region, receiving a combined £20k. The top award of £10k went to Plough On, a Cookstown-based charity supporting older farmers experiencing rural isolation, while Skywatch NI received £5k for its drone-based search and support service.
CJ Lang, the Spar wholesaler for Scotland, awarded a combined £13k to two local causes. The Cetacean Research & Rescue Unit, based in Gardenstown, Banff, received the top grant of £10k to support marine conservation, field research and its 24-hour emergency wildlife rescue service. Missing Pets Dundee & Angus, a volunteer-led group that has spent 13 years reuniting lost pets with their owners, received £3k towards equipment, vehicle and insurance costs.
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Local impact of the funding
Grant winners often use the money to upgrade facilities or purchase essential equipment. The sudden injection of funds helps these groups maintain their operations without the need to constantly seek new donations. For a volunteer-led organisation, covering the cost of insurance or a reliable vehicle can be a significant hurdle.
Taylor concluded that the grant scheme is aimed at supporting and giving back to the communities where Spar has its shops. As the retailer celebrates Spar’s 70th anniversary this year, it feels more fitting than ever. He noted that they have seen first-hand how previous grant winners have benefited from the scheme and know that together, they are making a real difference in communities.
