Lanark Amateur Musical Society calls out for votes to get a share of Tesco’s Stronger Starts fund

Lanark Amateur Musical Society (LAMS) is bidding for a cash boost from the Tesco Stronger Starts scheme. Stronger Starts provides grant awards of up to £1,500 to local community projects, with a particular focus on children and young people. Three groups in every community have been shortlisted to receive grant awards and Tesco customers can vote for the group they think should take away the top award in their local Tesco store. Lanark Amateur Musical Society (LAMS) is one of the groups on the shortlist in Lanark. LAMS is a Lanark charity that has been providing musical theatre opportunities in the local community for over 40 years. Providing high-quality musical theatre productions and supporting local people to benefit from the physical and mental health benefits of participating in group activities, singing, dancing, acting and more. Melissa Reilly, LAMS President said “We’re delighted to have been selected for the Tesco in-store voting! We fundraiser throughout the year to support the ongoing running of the club, helping us meet rising overheads in the cost-of-living crisis.” “We’re currently rehearsing for our upcoming production of The Wedding Singer, taking place in Lanark Memorial Hall from 21st – 23rd March 2024. It’s going to be a fantastic show, full of great singing, dancing, laughs – and lots of 1980’s hairstyles!” “We’re also very proud to be working with the Lanark Cancer Research Committee, with Cancer Research UK being chosen as our current Charity Partner.” Voting is open in all Tesco stores from early January until the end of March. Customers will cast their vote using a blue token given to them at the check-out each time they shop. Tesco’s Stronger Starts – previously known as Tesco Community Grants - has already provided over £110 million to more than 60,000 projects across Britain. This £5m Stronger Starts grant programme helps schools and children’s groups provide nutritious food and healthy activities that support young people’s physical health and mental wellbeing, such as breakfast clubs or snacks, and sports equipment for after school clubs. greenspace scotland is working with community charity, Groundwork to provide support to communities in Scotland. Tony McElroy, Tesco’s Head of Communications in Scotland, said: “Tesco Stronger Starts help support local good causes but especially those projects supporting young people, those providing food, and local causes close to our colleagues’ hearts.” Emma Halliday, Community Enabler Coordinator at greenspace scotland, said: “Tesco Stronger Starts continues to give local projects the boost they need to help their communities thrive. By funding services which support young people and reduce food poverty, we hope to facilitate positive change from the ground up across the UK. We are pleased to have been able to help so many local good causes over the years and look forward to seeing what community organisations can achieve in the future with the right resources.” Funding is available to community groups and charities looking to fund local projects that bring benefits to communities, particularly those helping to provide food and giving children the support they need for a good start in life. Anyone can nominate a project and organisations can apply online. To find out more visit tescoplc.com/strongerstarts