24/03/2010: Getting your slice of the cake...

It’s been one week since we launched the Principality Big Birthday Giveaway and it’s fair to say that Wales has got off to a great start. Ten charity/community groups have already submitted their application for financial help and there is still over two months to go until the deadline.

Carmarthenshire Twirling, a charity designed to establish a network of baton twirling and Pom Pon dance workshops throughout the county of Carmarthenshire, is the latest organisation to apply for the £5000 award. Working closely with schools, the dance organisation offers children the chance to learn and work towards recognised grades in the popular sporting activities of cheerleading, baton twirling and pom pon dance.  As well as encouraging children to live an active life, they will also get the chance to perform at public events for the enjoyment of the whole community. With the popularity of the classes increasing, the dance company aims to set up more workshops, ensuring that children all over the county have access to a local group.

Applications from five groups in North Wales have also been received. The Flintshire Diabetes Voluntary Group is looking for support to fund a 10 week healthy eating cookery course for people with diabetes, while the people of Bangor Community Group are looking for financial help to re-establish the Bangor Carnival, which has not taken place since 1987, in an effort to uplift the spirit of Bangor community in difficult times.

Our Big Birthday Giveaway campaign, aims to give groups the chance to kick-start, complete or continue the good work of a worthwhile project close to the needs of its community.

In celebration of our 150th birthday, we’re giving £5,000 to a community group or charity in each of the five Welsh regions – South Wales, North Wales, West Wales, East Wales and Mid Wales.

Graeme Yorston, said: “We recognise that Principality wouldn’t be the great Welsh institution it is today without the support of our members in communities across Wales.  So we want to say thanks by offering communities across Wales the chance to share in our £25,000 birthday present.”

To find out more, or download an application form, click here.