Asda Cashpot for Schools initiative pulls in £1 million for schools in first 72 hours

UK grocery giant Asda says that its new Cashpot for Schools initiative has raised almost £1 million for UK primary schools in its first 72 hours.

In what is pitched as an industry first campaign, the retailer is donating 0.5% of the value of its customers’ shopping to a primary school of their choice, every time they shop using Asda Rewards.

All 22,000 state funded UK primary schools are able to get involved, and since the campaign was launched on Monday morning - fronted by British fitness coach, TV presenter, social media personality and author, Joe Wicks, £960,000 has been allocated to school cashpots.

The campaign comes on the back of research that some parents are spending up to £138 per year to support their children’s schools.

The poll of 504 school-aged parents and 625 primary school teachers also found 95% of educators say a lack of funding has impacted learning at their school. And 23% are concerned they won't have the funds to host a sports day in the new academic year.

The most significantly underfunded needs are school trips (64%), books and learning materials (52%), and sports equipment (50%).

Wicks says: “I know first-hand from the work I’ve done in schools just how much of a difference Cashpot for Schools is going to make to kids across the country. I feel incredibly proud to be part of such an important initiative with Asda, working with a partner that is as committed to supporting families as I am.”

“From sports facilities to nutrition, Asda shoppers’ donations will have a huge impact on primary schools around the country – and after all, who doesn’t want the very best for their kids.”

David Hills, Chief Customer Officer at Asda, says: “On Monday we launched our Cashpot for Schools initiative to raise money for primary schools nationwide, who often rely on parent contributions to top up tight budgets.”

“I'm absolutely delighted that in just over 72 hours we’ve seen hundreds of thousands of customers sign up for the initiative - raising almost £1 million pounds for primary schools across the UK.”

“This money will make a huge difference to millions of children and Asda will continue to donate 0.5% of the value of our customers shopping to the school of their choice, when the shop with Asda Rewards, until the end of November - meaning there is millions more for us to invest. Please encourage all your friends and family to sign up to Asda Rewards and shop to support local primary schools in your area.”