Make Waves at Monikie! Bids for Tesco Stronger Starts Funding

Monikie Country Park could soon be making an even bigger splash thanks to ANGUSalive’s Make Waves at Monikie! project, which has been shortlisted for the Tesco Stronger Starts in-store public vote.

The project, led by ANGUSalive’s Countryside Adventure team, aims to make water sports more accessible to young people by purchasing smaller, lightweight paddles for use at Monikie and other local parks. A minimum of £500 has already been secured but finishing first or second in the public vote could increase funding to £1,350 or £1,000 respectively.

Iain Brough, Outdoor Activity Lead at ANGUSalive commented: “Making waves at Monikie is all about breaking down barriers and giving more young people the chance to get out on the water with confidence. By investing in smaller, lightweight paddles, we can ensure our sessions are inclusive, welcoming and suited to a wider range of abilities. Support from the Tesco Stronger Starts fund would make a real difference, helping us inspire the next generation to be active, adventurous and connected to the outdoors right here at Monikie Country Park. Being successful in this bid not only helps us hit our organisations strategic aims but also helps future proof our status as delivery partner with PaddleUK for years to come!”

Voting runs from mid-January until 31st March 2026 in Tesco stores at Monifieth Superstore, Dalhousie Road Dundee Express, and Broughty Ferry Express. Customers can cast their vote using a blue token provided at the checkout each time they shop. The outcome will be announced in early May.

Tesco’s Stronger Starts scheme, previously known as Tesco Bags of Help, has already provided over £127 million to more than 74,000 projects across the UK, funding initiatives that improve the wellbeing and opportunities of children and young people. The £5m grant programme helps schools and children’s groups provide nutritious food, healthy activities, and sports equipment that support young people’s physical and mental wellbeing. The scheme is run in partnership with charity Groundwork and supported by greenspace scotland.

Claire de Silva, Tesco UK Head of Communities and Local Media, said: “Helping schools and children’s groups access the food and resources they need is vitally important in getting children a stronger start in life. Children with enough food have more energy, better concentration, and ultimately achieve more too.”

Emma Halliday, Community Enabler Coordinator at greenspace scotland, added: “Tesco Stronger Starts continues to give local projects the boost they need to help their communities thrive. We are pleased to have been able to help so many local good causes over the years and look forward to seeing what community organisations can achieve in the future with the right resources.”

By voting for Make Waves at Monikie! the local community can help more young people enjoy safe, fun, and inclusive water activities this year.

For more information about Tesco Stronger Starts, visit https://www.tescoplc.com/sustainability/stronger-starts