BREAKFAST WITH CHAMPIONS

Asda Community Champion Jo Scott grabs a cuppa with local fundraiser Gwenllian Haf

WORDS HELEN RENSHAW PHOTOGRAPHS DAVE CAUDEREY

“It’s about helping the local community any way I can”

We’re proud of our Asda community champions, who help us put people at the heart of what we do. This issue, Community Champion Jo Scott – who works at Asda in Pwllheli, north Wales – catches up with Gwenllian Haf, chairperson of community group Cae Chwarae Aberdaron, which is raising money for a roundabout and other inclusive equipment for disabled children in the local park.

Jo: I’ve been a Community Champion for over 10 years and, for me, it’s always been about helping the local community any way I can. The role has given me amazing memories. I’ve been lucky enough to be awarded the British Empire Medal, which was presented to me by the Lord Lieutenant of

Left, Gwenllian Haf, chairperson of community group Cae Chwarae Aberdaron. Right, Community Champion Jo Scott

Gwynedd, Edmund Seymour Baily, at Caernarfon Castle. Gary Barlow sang A Million Love Songs to me at a Prince’s Trust event, because I’d won an Asda Excellence in Leadership award. I also met Prince Charles (as he was then) that day, and again at Buckingham Palace this year. All those experiences were brilliant, but nothing is as rewarding as helping local people achieve their community goals.

Gwenllian: And it absolutely makes a di erence. We’re a group of local mums who came together three years ago to improve the playground in our small seaside village, Aberdaron in Gwynned. Over the past three years, we’ve worked together to transform the park into a place that local families now love and feel safe in. It’s become our community haven.

Jo: What you and the other parents have already done is amazing. When I first saw the park, it was… wow! I was so impressed.

Gwenllian: It’s so important for families to have communal areas where they can come together to chat and play. But we want everyone in the community to be able to enjoy our beautiful park, and that means providing local disabled children with inclusive equipment, like a roundabout with wheelchair access. Around a year ago, we set about raising the £25,000 we need to make that happen.

Jo: The first I heard of the campaign was when I received your letter asking for a ra e prize for a fundraiser. We agreed on a toy hamper and I said I’d drive over so I could see the park for myself

“We’ve worked to transform the park into a place that local families now love”

instead. I got lost twice on the way, but found you eventually.

Gwenllian: I recognised your face straight away from the Asda Pwllheli Facebook page – to be honest, you’re a bit like a celebrity in our area because you’re busy with so many di erent fundraising events. I don’t want to make you blush, but you’re an absolute star.

Jo: Well, you are making me blush! It’s so kind of you to say, but I absolute love being a community champion. And listening to you, it was so clear to me the di erence your plans would make to disabled children in the area.

Gwenllian: Yes, there’s no other playground with inclusive equipment within miles, and it means parents taking a long round trip for their children to enjoy the simple pleasures that most families access as a matter of course, so it’s something we do feel passionately about.

Jo: When I met you, I thought, hang on, I’m sure we can do more for this group than just a ra e prize. I helped you and the group apply for an Asda Foundation Empowering Local Communities Grant and was chu ed when you were awarded £1,500.

The venue: Becws Islyn Bakery, Aberdaron, Pwllheli

The breakfast: Gwenllian (left) and Jo settled down to a full Welsh Breakfast with tea and toast

“It was moving to see the parents working together to achieve their goal”

Gwenllian: When I found out we’d been awarded the £1,500, I’m sure I screamed! It meant so much to us. We used the money for a free community get together – our Party in the Park last summer. We bought equipment that could be used for future fundraising events – a gazebo, craft items and games. The event was a huge success, and everyone was generous. We raised almost £750 towards the roundabout and have lots of future fundraising events planned.

Jo: There was no way I wasn’t going – I love a party! It was so nice seeing everyone and it was moving to see the parents working together to achieve their goal. It makes me proud of being able to help in my role as a Community Champion. But most of all it makes me proud of the community where I live.

Gwenllian: It was a fantastic day – we still have a way to go before we can buy the roundabout, but I’m confident we’ll get there. We feel so lucky and couldn’t have held the event without the grant. We’ve also applied to go on the Asda Foundation Green Token Giving programme, where customers can vote online for a good cause of their choice – the winner gets £500, and runners up get £400 and £300. I hope you’ll continue to be involved, Jo. We can’t thank you enough – not just for the money, but for your hands-on ideas and support.

Jo: Of course I’ll still be involved – try stopping me! I always have lots of projects on the go and am always on the lookout for new groups. But there’s something special about Aberdaron, its people, and your e orts on their behalf. You know you’re going to get along with someone when you can have a laugh together, like we did from day one. And you make great cakes. I think we’ll be friends for life, Gwenllian.

Jo has supported Children in Need, and met Gary Barlow (right) at a Prince’s Trust event

For more on our community champions and how you can get involved, keep an eye on the community board in store for more information. And check out how Asda’s charity, the Asda Foundation (www.asdafoundation.org.), is supporting communities this year.

Get involved!