Hermitage Park School Association’s Playground Development project has been chosen as one of three community projects to receive funding of up to £12,000 from the Tesco Bags of Help initiative – and they need your vote!
Tesco has teamed up with Groundwork – supported by Greenspace Scotland, to share the revenue generated from the 5p charge levied on single-use carrier bags among local projects. Three grants of £12,000, £10,000 and £8,000 are available across the Edinburgh East region and the money will be awarded according to the outcome of the customer vote, which takes place from Monday 31 October until Sunday 13 November. Stores involved are Tesco Leith, Tesco Broughton and Tesco Express Dundas Street.
Julie Scotland, Vice Chair of the Hermitage Park School Association and local resident, is clear about why the project deserves the votes of Tesco shoppers: “Ours is the only community playground in the local area that is open daily for all young people to use, not just our own pupils. That’s a big deal when you consider the demographics of the neighbourhood, which includes many areas of deprivation, and areas where children don’t have access to a garden to play in.”
‘Hermie,’ as the school is affectionately known, is hoping to secure the top grant of £12,000 to transform their playground from a grim Tarmac expanse into a vibrant space, complete with benches and planters, as well as stimulating play equipment. The largest purchase planned is a ‘Trim Trail’, which will includedifferent modules depending on total funding is secured.
The School Association is working in close consultation with play experts to envision improvements that will enhance the environment and encourage safe outside play, helping local youngsters to meet the NHS minimum recommended guidelines of 7 hours of moderate to vigorous exercise per week (for 5 – 18 year-olds). Teachers, pupils, parents and local residents were also invited to attend a presentation and Q&A session about the proposed improvements, and will be kept up-to-date with future developments.
Here’s why Alfred (8), a pupil at Hermitage Park Primary School (and future politician in the making!) believes Tesco shoppers should vote Hermie: “We learned that the ‘Right to Play’ is included in the UN Convention of the Rights of the Child and we want to make sure that every girl and boy in Leith has the right to enjoy fun, outdoor play time,” he said.
Gill Thomson, mum to Hermie pupils Maisie (8) and Jack (4) added: “Outdoor play is such as vital, although sadly diminishing part of our children’s development, so it’s really encouraging to see Tesco and Greenspace Scotland working with local schools and communities to help give our children the best start in life. The upgraded Hermitage Park playground will be a fantastic asset for the whole community. If you shop in Tesco, please vote Hermie!”
You can watch Hermie pupils making their acting debut in this short video to see for yourself why the community playground development project needs your vote. More information about the Tesco Bags of Help initiative is available at: www.tesco.com/bagsofhelp.
Look out for the public vote in the Tesco Leith, Tesco Broughton and Tesco Express Dundas Street stores from Monday 31 October to Sunday 13 November and #BagsofHelp #VoteHermie on Twitter. Most important of all: don’t forget to vote Hermie when you shop in any of the above Tesco stores during the voting period!
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