A £1,000 grant from supermarket giant Tesco is set to be used to boost a gardening initiative at a Douglas Primary School.
Anagh Coar primary school was selected by customers across all Isle of Man stores to receive the funds, which will go towards installing new fences to help create a secure area where children can gain hands-on experience planting, nurturing and harvesting fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as learning more about where there food comes from.
Rob Coole, head teacher at the school, said: “We would like to thank Tesco and its customers for supporting our school’s garden project with this grant. The funding will help us continue bringing the joy of gardening to our pupils, giving them a fantastic opportunity to get involved in growing their own fruit and vegetables.
“We’re looking forward to seeing the children develop new practical skills and confidence as they learn to care for their plants and discover more about where their food comes from.”
The award marks the latest instalment of Tesco’s Fruit & Veg Grants scheme, where the business donates £500 – £1,500 to charities and organisations aimed at making a positive difference to children, and promoting a healthy lifestyle by improving their access to free fruit and veg.
Donations amounting to £2,000 have also been handed out to two further island causes as part of the scheme.
£1500 was awarded to the Isle of Man Imagination Library in support of its work bringing Dolly Parton’s celebrated book-gifting programme to families across the island, while a £500 grant was offered to Rushen Primary School to fund the development of a new climbing and play area to help boost pupils’ physical health and mental wellbeing.
Claire de Silva, Head of Community at Tesco, said: “We’re delighted that we can help groups and clubs across the Isle of Man.”
Customers can vote for the good cause they want to support in the future by dropping the Tesco blue token they receive at the checkout into the relevant voting box as they leave the store.