Five community groups received donations from Bulahdelah IGA’s Community Chest funding program last week.

More than $1,300 was shared between the Pony Club, St Joseph’s Primary School, Cricket Club, Lions Club and Bulahdelah Central School.

IGA Supervisor Louise Dorney said the funds are accumulated from purchases of specially marked products.

“When customers buy products that have the community chest symbol on them, a percentage of the sale goes to the Community Chest Fund,” she said.

“This is one way that we can give back to the community.”

Pony Club President Alicia Madden said the funds will greatly assist with the start-up costs for the new club.

“We’ll be starting next year so the donation will help get the club up and running,” she said.

Lion’s Club President Roger Dixon told News Of The Area the funds will go towards their Community Activity Park project and Cricket Club Representative Erin Matheson said the money will be used to purchase new training equipment.

Improved technology will be the focus for both schools with St Joseph’s enhancing their STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) program with new resources including robotics and electrical circuits.

The Central School’s Year 5/6 students will combine the donation with funds they have already raised to update their classroom computers with the purchase of Chromebooks.

Mrs Dorney presented cheques to each organisation and said the IGA is pleased to be able to assist so many worthy community groups.

“To be part of a business that gives back to the community is a very proud feeling,” she said.

The recipients thanked the IGA staff and owners Darren and Pav Singh for their donations and ongoing community support.

By Daniel SAHYOUN