New Poundland Foundation opens grant window for kids’ sports groups

Community champion Amy Millington kicks off fund raising for South West

Poundland’s South West community champion for its newly launched charitable foundation today (1 June) opened up a 30-day window for children’s sports organisations across the region to apply for grants.

The new Poundland Foundation brings all the retailer’s charity fundraising under one banner, including a commitment to invest £825,000 in communities over the next 12 months.

This first grant window opens at 9.00am today (1 June) and community groups will have the opportunity to apply for one of 250 grants of up to £750 each to provide kits or equipment for local kids’ sports teams.

Amy Millington is one of seven community champions appointed from within the business (see editor’s notes) to act as a bridge between the foundation and local organisations seeking a cash boost.

Bernie represents South West England, stretching from Truro to Trowbridge and Penzance to Plymouth.

Store manager at Paignton, Amy is a brilliant supporter of her local community and her store is a real hub of the high street. She and her team work tirelessly to secure donations for local organisations who need them most, collecting and donating hundreds of much needed essentials and treats.

Amy has a strong relationship with local community hub, The Thrive Project, so she and her generous customers know exactly who their donations are helping, from care home residents, to local families from deprived areas. She is a community champion in every sense.

Amy said: “Poundland colleagues and customers have plenty of fun, but we take fund raising very seriously because we know how important it is to our local communities.

“We know how vital sport is for children, not just for keeping fit and healthy, but having a good time and making friends too, so it’s great to see team sports are kicking off the foundation’s first round of grants.”

Simon Wells, Poundland Foundation chair, said: “We think the foundation will be a real winner for children’s team sports and we can’t wait to see the applications coming in.

“It doesn’t matter how large or small, new or old, or whatever your chosen sport, get your team’s application in now. The starting gun has fired.”

Applications will need to be made during June via the new Poundland Foundation website atwww.poundlandfoundation.org.uk. Applications will be considered for any kind of team sport – from football to netball, hockey to volleyball.

Money for the foundation will come from in-store fundraising, carrier bag donations and the partnership with Pennies, the charity that collects micro-donations through chip and pin machines.

The Poundland Foundation will continue to support Poundland’s existing charity partnership with Make-a-Wish, Tommy’s and Whizz-Kids UK with a £2.5 million commitment over the next two years.

Poundland has always played an important part in keeping Britain’s high streets thriving and has for many years recognised its special responsibility to the communities it serves.

Over the past four years it has raised over £4,5m for charities and community causes, challenging perceptions of a discount retailer in a tough retail landscape.