Hastings Co-op Community Chest grants for new equipment and projects | Successful groups include:

* Wauchope Swimming Club, Wauchope

* Lions Club

* Beechwood Public School

* King Creek Rural Fire Brigade

* Wauchope Public School

* Comboyne Community Association

* Hastings Public School

* Hastings Valley Mountain Bike Club

* Wauchope Cricket Club

* Hastings Old Holdens

* Wauchope Community Pre School

* Wauchope Junior Rugby League Club

* Wauchope Netball Club.

Chief executive officer Allan Gordon said an estimated $212,500 had been returned to the local community since the program’s inception.

He thanked IGA customers who play a pivotal role in the program’s success, with funds from specially marked products, including the Community Co. range, contributing to the grants.

“Every time you purchase a specially-marked product you can feel good about giving back to the community too,” he said.

“It’s great to see that the non-for-profit groups hail from all corners of the Hastings and represent everyone from schools and sporting clubs to emerency services, volunteer and special interest groups.

“What’s special about the Community Chest grants program is the projects are helping to build a better tomorrow, and more importantly, celebrating the contribution these groups make to the Hastings way of life.

“We hope each of the groups, their members, volunteers and the wider community enjoy the benefits of these grants for many years to come.”

The funds will be presented to recipients at a function at Wauchope Senior Citizens Hall on February 7, 2019.