Charity needs votes to bag big grant from Tesco

MedEquip4Kids is asking for support from Tesco shoppers

Children’s health charity, MedEquip4Kids, is calling for shoppers to vote in Tesco stores from now until the New Year to help them win a grant.

To celebrate Tesco’s Centenary, the supermarket is holding a special voting round of its community funding scheme, which will see grants of £10,000, £15,000 and £25,000 awarded to local community projects.

Three groups in each 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.

MedEquip4Kids is one of the groups on the shortlist in Greater Manchester.

Janey Hellmen, Fundraiser at MedEquip4Kids said: “We are up against two fantastic national charities so the competition is tough. As a Manchester-based charity since 1985 we would love to take home the top prize for the region.

"Our much-loved NHS provides an amazing service free at the point of delivery. However, due to budget limitations, hospitals and health centres are often unable to invest in the new or upgraded medical equipment, play and distraction facilities, and resources they know would benefit children’s healthcare. MedEquip4Kids supports NHS hospitals by fundraising for the resources that medical teams tell us will have the most positive impact for babies, children and young people.

"We have supported Rochdale Infirmary in the past by providing sensory equipment, soft furniture including bean bags and comfortable seating for the urgent care unit.

"To win £25,000 from Tesco would have a far reach in the area, allowing us to provide much needed equipment for many local hospitals which will benefit thousands of poorly children and babies each year.”

Voting is open in all Tesco stores throughout Greater Manchester during October, November and December. 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 £75 million to more than 25,000 projects across Britain.

Alec Brown, Head of Community at Tesco, said: “Bags of Help contributes funds to community projects up and down the country and we’ve been overwhelmed by the response from customers voting in their local stores.

"We’re looking forward to seeing more projects brought to life.”