OUTSIDE there was a cold winter wind blowing, but inside IGA in Hawks Nest last week there was plenty of warmth and community spirit in the air.

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The occasion, was the ‘My Rewards’ celebration event and the launch of the 2018 Community Partnership program.

IGA co-owner Peter Trappel was on hand with cheques and donations to a number of community groups including the Tea Gardens Hawks Nest Surf Life Saving Club.

“We’re very appreciative of the donation and the ongoing support of IGA and the community,” President of the Surf Life Saving Club, Stephen Howell said.

So far, 17 community groups benefit from the ‘My Rewards’ program.

But Peter Trappel wants more people to get on board.

“We want to get the community and community group members to spread the word about the benefits of the scheme,” Peter said.

The Rewards Scheme works on a points basis, sign up and for every dollar spent, you earn one cent.

You can donate half your points to the community group of your choice, or donate all your points to organisations such as the Tea Gardens Primary School, Red Cross or Rural Fire Service just to name a few.

If you join up in May there’s also extra incentive, spend $50 and you go in the draw to win one of four $100 IGA gift cards.

Since its inception across the four Lovey’s Grocers Stores, more than $50,000 has been raised for local community groups.

“It doesn’t cost anything to join and it’s easy to do, just ask one of our staff members when you visit our store,” IGA’s Karen Marples said.

By Margie TIERNEY