SPAR Scotland has revealed the results of its second Community Cashback poll, which received over 10,000 votes.
Launched on 1 March, the campaign ran until 9 May. Customers, store staff and SPAR Scotland employees could nominate a local charity or community group for the chance to receive a share of £30,000.
Twenty-four charities each received cash sums ranging from £750 to £2,000. Four were chosen in each of six areas around Scotland. Winners were invited to a local SPAR store to collect their cheque.
Life Challenge Outreach project, based in Buckie, received £2,000. John Coppard from the charity said: “I want to thank all the SPAR customers for the nomination and the wonderful donation of £2,000 to our charity. This donation is very timely as our funds have dwindled to an all-time low. This injection of funds will allow us to get the bus out so we can reconnect with people with addictions.”
Life Challenge Outreach acquired a big green bus which hosts many people from the local community looking for help with addictions and other issues. It acts as a drop in service within a non-judgemental environment and people who need help can visit and speak to someone in confidence. The charity offers hope to a number of vulnerable people who have problems with substance abuse or mental health issues.
The bus is run by volunteers and it gives local people who need help a chance to meet in a safe environment. Advice, support and help are provided.
Colin McLean, CEO of SPAR Scotland, said: “We are pleased to have received such a great response to our Community Cashback campaign. However, to have over 10,000 people vote in areas all over Scotland to win a share of the £30,000 is overwhelming and demonstrates how important it is to continue to look after small charities in local areas.
“We set up the Community Cashback campaign to recognise the work many groups and charities are doing to support people in local communities around Scotland. During the pandemic we have seen how local community groups and charities have suffered and we hope the winners can benefit in some small way from the donation.”
A full list of winners can be found on the SPAR Scotland website.
