Bags of cash up for grabs

Asda stores are using the net proceeds of the single use carrier bag charge to support local community groups.

Carrier Bag Community Grants of up to £2,000 are available and Asda Bishopbriggs is encouraging local groups to apply now.

All retailers in Scotland are now required to charge customers 5p for single-use carrier bags.

Asda Bishopbriggs has decided to use the net proceeds to support good causes that directly benefit the local community in East Dunbartonshire.

The store is putting out a plea to local groups to apply now and find out whether they can benefit.The Asda Carrier Bag Community Grants scheme offers grants of up to £2,000 for the local projects and good causes that matter most to their customers.

The 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.

The grants are administered by registered charity Foundation Scotland.

Regional panels of Asda colleagues will select the successful projects with most relevance to their community.

To apply you don’t have to be a registered charity – visit the website at www.foundationscotland.org.uk/asda for more information or speak to Lorraine Macdonald, Community Life Champion at Asda Bishoprbriggs for help with applications.

Lorraine said: “At Asda we hope the carrier bag charge will have long-term social – as well as environmental – benefits, and we want to involve the local community in deciding where the money should be spent.

“That’s why we have created the Asda Carrier Bag Community Grant scheme, which will give local groups the chance to benefit from grants of up to £2,000.

“We want to encourage lots of applications from community groups. It’s quick and easy to apply and you don’t have to be a registered charity.

“Come and speak to me in store for more information, or visit the website at www.foundationscotland.org.uk/asda .”