Mo's new role at Wisbech store to support community

One store in Wisbech has appointed a new Community Champion to strengthen its winning team and work to offer grants to good causes.

Mo Howlett is now one of Asda' 380 colleagues, across the country, who are on hand to support local charities, groups, and good causes in the areas around their stores.

And as we move into the summer months and social distancing restrictions are due to ease, the Leverington Road supermarket has introduced a new grant from the Asda Foundation which will be targeted at reuniting communities, celebrating togetherness, and supporting groups as they resume their activities in person again.

Mo said: "One of my first jobs in the role will be finding local groups to apply for the two exciting new funding opportunities from the Asda Foundation."

The Asda Foundation aims to transform communities and improve lives for people living locally to Asda stores. Whether it is supporting charities, local good causes, or activities that bring people together. With a focus on local giving to ensure grant funding goes to those who need it most, it supports smaller community groups and charities that are making a big difference.

The ‘Bringing Communities Back Together’ grant will provide financial aid to local groups either through a celebration event (following social distancing guidelines) or by getting their activities and services back on track. Groups who cannot physically be back together, but whose activities are still open and available to the community, may also be included in this award.

Groups can apply for help (from £250 to £1,000) to get activities back on track, a get together event or a combination of the two - as long as it's happening in July, August or September.

The criteria and guidelines can be seen at https://www.asdafoundation.org/how-to-apply

Groups such as PTAs, local community groups, charity, Community Interest Group, sports groups, not-for-profit, elderly clubs, lunch clubs, arts and crafts groups, other hobbyist clubs, even council run groups and parish councils can all apply. The celebration element could even be cultural, religious, or just a chance to reconnect. Applications should be submitted to the store's community champion, Mo Howlett, before August 16.

The branch has also announced the return of Asda Foundation Green Token Giving vote for our customers later this year.

Green Token Giving – the customer vote which donates more than £1 million to charities, schools and groups across the UK each year – is coming back soon for the first time since the start of the pandemic with a new website where customers can choose between three deserving causes. The winners of each store's vote receive £500 from the Asda Foundation and the two runners-up are given £200 each.

Mo added: "We're excited to be able to support local groups in our area and that customers can now vote from the comfort of their own home whether they shop in person, take home delivery or use click and collect.

"I’ve worked for Asda since 2020, starting on checkouts before becoming community champion earlier this year. It’s been a hugely challenging year for so many people, and I’m proud that I'll be able to play a role on behalf of the store to help our local community at a time that support is more important than ever."

Further information about both types of grants, including a downloadable Green Token Giving nomination form, is available on the Asda Foundation website: www.asdafoundation.org or by sending an email to community_wisbech@asda.co.uk