Tesco Ireland’s Community Fund reaches €5 million in donations to local communities

Minister Heather Humphreys says fund has "made a significant difference to thousands of groups which really need it on an ongoing basis, since 2014"

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While independent retailers across Ireland continue to do a huge amount to support their local communities, Tesco Ireland also highlighted this week that it has reached €5 million in donations to community groups and local causes across Ireland through its Community Fund initiative.

This significant milestone comes as the retailer prepares to donate over €118,000 to health-related community groups such as the Irish Wheelchair Associations, ISPCC and the Irish Cancer Society, in the first round of the 2021 Fund, as the impact of Covid-19 continues to be felt for local fundraising.

Community Fund €5million statistics – top 10 cause types:

First launched in 2014, the Community Fund aims to provide financial support to groups in the local communities across the country. Anyone can nominate a community group or good cause via the Tesco website* – every eight weeks three causes are chosen in every Tesco store across Ireland, sharing up to €1,000 equally.

Now entering its seventh year, the Community Fund campaign continues to provide vital support to community groups across Ireland.

“Our Community and Voluntary organisations, charities and Social Enterprises are doing exceptional work throughout Ireland in ensuring our communities are supported and that no-one is left behind,” said Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys. “Now, more than ever, we need to cherish that solidarity and support our community connections. This is why initiatives such as the Community Fund are so important.

“The Tesco Ireland Community Fund, because of its local nature, has made a significant difference to thousands of groups which really need it on an ongoing basis, since 2014,” Minister Humphreys added.

“We’re incredibly proud to have helped over 20,000 community projects across the country over the last six years,” said Rosemary Garth, communications director, Tesco Ireland. “It’s humbling that we can continue to support the outstanding work carried out, helping those who need it in our communities,” she added.

In 2020, Tesco donated over €1million in community donations nationwide during Covid-19. As well as that, in March 2020 at the onset of the Covid-19 Community Fund during pandemic, Tesco donated €150,000 split among three national charities – ALONE, Age Action and Family Carers Ireland – to support their efforts in helping the elderly, family carers and the most vulnerable members of local communities throughout the country.

Recent research** among Irish adults revealed that almost half (45%) planned to make a charitable donation during the festive season. In November, Tesco Ireland increased its Christmas Community Fund to €250,000 to support homeless charities and support groups throughout the country.

Additionally, as part of its food surplus redistribution programme, Tesco has also worked to support FoodCloud Hubs with over €100,000 worth of longer-life non-perishable food to support community food services. 

Tesco stores nationwide donate to national and local community-based organisations including schools, animal shelters, sports groups, elderly care centres, health organisations and many more.

*(https://tescoireland.ie/sustainability/places/community-fund/)

**(Source: Research conducted by Core Research on behalf of Tesco Ireland)

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