Asda Boston has announced that four local groups were successful in receiving grants totalling £7,955 from the Asda Foundation’s Outdoor Community Spaces Fund.
The Asda Foundation recognises the importance of having safe and accessible outdoor spaces in communities across the UK, so provided a total of £529,977 in this round of grant funding to help 303 grassroots community groups improve or transform their local outdoor community spaces.
Whether it’s cleaning up a green space, delivering collaborative growing projects or transforming an unused area for local people to use, the Outdoor Community Spaces Fund supported groups with funding up to £3,000 per application to create or enhance an outdoor space in neighbourhoods around Asda stores.
With aims to increase access to outdoor spaces, particularly for marginalised or vulnerable groups of people, bring local communities together and making a lasting demonstrable difference to an outdoor space to truly enhance local communities, the Asda Foundation is committed to enable as many people as possible to be able to benefit from the funding.
Willoughby Road Allotments was presented with £2,500 to cover the cost of raised beds, benches, plants, flowers, compost, fencing, slabs, and paint to help develop their sensory area on an unused plot.
Whaplode Playing Field Association successfully applied for £380 which will pay for litter picking equipment for a team of eight volunteers including hi-vis vests, pickers, bag hoops, bin liners, and gloves. The playing field is a well-used and valued facility providing play equipment for all ages and an extensive open area for free play and picnics.
Curo-Lincs was awarded £2,700 to create and enhance a community garden and project. The initiative aims to create a profound positive difference for many groups of people, focusing on fostering mental health and wellbeing through the therapeutic benefits of nature and animal interactions.
Boston Green Volunteers received £2,375 to improve spaces that they look after across Boston. Fountain Lane Gardens will be enhanced for wildlife with new wildlife habitats, a living willow arch, native wildflowers, seating, and wheelchair access. While The Geoff Moulder Community Garden will be enhanced with the addition of a new picnic bench, raised beds, compost bin, and gardening tools.
Asda Boston’s Community Champion, Stephen Bromby, said “I’m delighted to be able to support these local groups with grants of £7,955 from the Asda Foundation. I know this money will make a massive difference to them over the coming months – especially as the days are now getting longer and warmer, and more people can get outdoors.”
Karl Doyle, Chair of the Asda Foundation, added: “Over the last year, our research has consistently told us that local communities are seeking better access to safe and accessible public spaces. We know that being outdoors has a positive impact on health and wellbeing, and that bringing people together to be part of a group and community makes a significant difference to people’s lives. This Asda Foundation grant provides funding to grassroots groups and charities to support with this, and we know that it will also help build community connections and increase pride in communities across the UK.’’
Stephen continued: “We’re now busy planning the next round of funding, which will help to repair, renovate and enhance buildings and spaces at the heart of local communities with funding up to £20,000. Details will be available soon from Asda Boston’s social channels and asdafoundation.org “
The Asda Foundation is Asda’s corporate charity, registered with the Charity Commission and governed by an independent Board of Trustees. The Asda Foundation operates separately from Asda Stores, with a mix of trustees, comprising of Asda colleagues and individuals unaffiliated with the company, ensuring a fair and impartial approach to decision-making and strategy.
The Asda Foundation is funded exclusively through donations from Asda stores. Each year, the Foundation’s funds are allocated to grassroots groups, community projects, and emergency relief efforts, enabling the Foundation to support the communities surrounding Asda stores effectively. It also offers financial assistance to Asda colleagues facing personal difficulties and supports colleagues’ fundraising efforts through Match Funding.
