Shoppers can support Barnardos, Ireland’s leading independent children’s charity by donating their Tesco for Schools and Clubs vouchers from the 9^th to the 15^th April. Special Barnardos boxes will be available in all 137 Tesco stores nationwide during Easter week and for every voucher donated, Tesco has committed to give 2c to support Barnardos work with children and families, with a minimum guaranteed donation of €10,000. Millions of vouchers are given to customers daily as part of the Tesco for Schools and Clubs scheme, which runs from 12 March to 20^th May.

Ruth Guy, Barnardos Director of Fundraising and Marketing said, “We are delighted to partner with Tesco for Barnardos Week and encourage customers who may not need to collect vouchers for a school or club, or who have vouchers gathering dust at home, to put their vouchers to good use and pop them in the Barnardos box in stores next week. We rely heavily on the generosity of companies like Tesco to help us continue our work in communities throughout Ireland and really appreciate the support of shoppers in this unique initiative – thank you!”

Michelle Mahon, Corporate Social Responsibility Manager, Tesco Ireland said: “To celebrate our 15th year of the Tesco for Schools and Clubs voucher collection scheme we are delighted to support Barnardos and the fantastic work they do for children around the country. Our staff will be encouraging customers to donate their unwanted vouchers to raise as much money as possible in this inaugural Barnardos week.”

Customers will receive one Tesco for Schools and Clubs voucher for every €10 spent in stores during this period.

Schools and Clubs who receive vouchers surplus to their requirements this year will also have the option to donate their additional vouchers to benefit Barnardos. Full details are included in the packs posted to Schools and Clubs and on www.tesco.ie and www.barnardos.ie/tesco.