Dunbar Primary School receives surprise visit from Joe Wicks

Dunbar Primary School had a special guest appearance from Joe Wicks, aka The Body Coach, after the school were named as the top fundraisers as part of Asda's Cashpot for Schools initiative.

Article Source: Cashpot for Schools
Last Updated: 22 January 2025 11:25

Asda’s Cashpot for Schools initiative, which launched in September 2024, allowed the retailer to donate 0.5 per cent of the value of its customers’ shopping to a primary school of their choice every time they shop using Asda rewards. Over £5.7 million pounds will now be donated to nearly 22,000 state-funded schools across the UK.

Dunbar Primary School in East Lothian had the most money raised for them through the initiative and Joe Wicks, who fronted Asda’s campaign, surprised the school by presenting them with a cheque for £4,215.88. The funding raised for Dunbar Primary School will now enable them to upgrade playgrounds and create a sensory garden across both their campuses – John Muir and Lochend. Over £630,000 was raised in total for schools across Scotland.

Scottish teachers welcomed the initiative, with 63% saying that a lack of funding has impacted learning and student experience at their school, with the most significantly underfunded needs being school trips (74%), sports equipment (66%), and books and learning materials (57%).

The Cashpot for Schools campaign reflects Joe’s passion for supporting schools, particularly through sports and experiences, matching Asda’s ambition to help families live their very best lives, no matter their budget.

During the visit, Joe Wicks engaged with the children, sharing his passion for fitness and education, and took time to meet the teachers to learn more about how the funds will be put to use, held two warm up sessions with the children and then spoke about the importance of investing in young minds and the positive impact that this funding will have on the children.

Dad-of-four Joe said: “I know first-hand from the work I’ve done in schools just how much of a difference the Cashpot for Schools initiative is making to kids across the country.

“I feel incredibly proud to be part of such an important initiative with Asda, working with a partner that is as committed to supporting families as I am. It’s such an honour to visit Dunbar Primary School today to see the impact that their donation is going to have and to help them to upgrade the playgrounds and enabling the creation of a sensory garden, it was great to see so many enthusiastic and excited children today – that’s what it’s all about.”

Emma Grierson, Deputy Head, Dunbar Primary School comments: “When Annette, the Community Champion at Asda Dunbar, informed us of Joe’s visit, we were all so excited. It’s been hard to keep it a secret for the children, but it’s been an honour to be able to host Joe at our school. The children and teachers have had such a wonderful day meeting Joe and loved asking him questions.

On behalf of the children and other teachers, I can't express how thrilled we are to have received this funding. After consulting with pupils and families, it was decided that the money would be used to update our playgrounds and create a sensory garden. The children are absolutely over the moon and can’t wait to test it out.”

Annette Newell, Community Champion at Asda Dunbar says: “It’s been fantastic to have the opportunity to connect with the teachers and pupils at Dunbar Primary School. Seeing their excitement and hearing about their plans to upgrade their playgrounds and see the joy on the children’s faces was truly warming. It’s great to see our partnership making a real difference, and we’re proud to support such a dedicated school and community!”

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Edinburgh News

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh Black Friday Offers

From 5 star stays to chef’s table feasts and afternoon tea with bubbles, Virgin Hotels Edinburgh offers unforgettable experiences at unbeatable value this Black Friday.

Step into the magic at Dobbies Garden Centres

Dobbies Garden Centres has a fantastic line up of Santa’s Grotto and Quiet Grotto experiences, with an exciting North Pole adventure inspired theme, running from 23rd November - 24th December.

Locals urged to get interactive on World Kindness Day

To mark World Kindness Day, the team at Volunteer Centre East Lothian (VCEL) is encouraging more people to show compassion, unity and kindness to others through voluntary work.

Scottish Ensemble announce projects for Spring and Summer 2026

Scottish Ensemble, a pioneering collective of musicians championing music for strings, announces its series of events for Spring/Summer 2026.

Free community energy advice event taking place tomorrow in Edinburgh

Free face-to-face energy support comes to Edinburgh as nearly a third still don’t seek help when struggling with bills.

Wingstop UKI opens first restaurant in Livingston

Monday 10th November : Wingstop UKI, the restaurant brand that doesn’t play when it comes to flavour, today opens its first site in Livingston.

Flight Club Launches BRAND NEW Game Inspired by a Party Classic

This week, Flight Club, the lively cocktail and Social Darts bar, is launching a brand-new game, available to play in all venues for the first time on Friday, 14th November.

Scottish and international traders make Edinburghs Christmas Market sparkle with festive magic

The countdown to this year’s Edinburgh’s Christmas attractions has begun, with the much-loved Christmas Markets in East Princes Street Gardens opening this Saturday 15 November.

Aldi Scotland is turning up the Christmas cheer with its first ever festive Supermarket Sweep

Aldi Scotland is giving one lucky customer the chance to take part in a seasonal edition of its popular shopping challenge, all while raising vital funds for Children's Hospices Across Scotland.

Hidden treasures of Murrayfield

Murrayfield heritage lead Laura Tinch reveals hidden collection of 5,000 artefacts charting a century of Scottish rugby history.

Collective announces 2026 programme

Collective announces an unmissable programme of exhibitions for 2026, spotlighting ambitious new projects by artists who have developed their practice in Scotland.

Rare female cheetah arrives at Edinburgh Zoo

The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) has welcomed four-year-old female cheetah Domino to Edinburgh Zoo from Zoo de Cerza, France.

Santa clocks in early: Scotland shift heroes among 30,000 invited to claim free festive meal

Greene King pubs is raising the spirits of Scotland's hardest workers this festive season, hosting 'The Big Christmas Shift' across 700 pubs nationwide, giving away 30,000 meals on Monday 1st December

Festive days out to make the most of the season

From wreath-making workshops through to New Year’s Eve street parties, here's a rounded up some of the best events to help make the most of the season with loved ones in a fun and creative way.

November and December at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh

From Christmas to Artist in Residence, discover Virgin Hotels Edinburgh's events taking place in this festive season!

Edinburgh Small Businesses shine as part of small business roadshow

Independent businesses in Edinburgh celebrated as part of Small Business Saturday’s Tour highlighting the nation’s favourite businesses

SAY Award winner announced as Kai Reesu

Kai Reesu’s ‘KOMPROMAT vol.i’ was tonight announced as winner of The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award, as the country’s national music prize Ceremony took place in Dundee’s Caird Hall.

Beyond Monet and Beyond Van Gogh open in Edinburgh this month

Two immersive experiences which bring the work of a pair of iconic artists to life in mesmerising and moving fashion are set to open in Edinburgh this month.

The many worlds of Stephen King return to Vue this autumn

As the The Long Walk wraps up in cinemas, fans of Stephen King can look forward to seven classic re-releases heading to the big screen this autumn.

First ever Letters Live cinema events comes to the Big Screen in Edinburgh this week

A very special cinema event is coming to Edinburgh this week, comprising a preview of a brand-new film, a world-renowned literary event and an appearance from a BAFTA-winning actor.

Flight Club Edinburgh launches limited edition Winter Menu and Festive Brunch

Flight Club Edinburgh kicks off Christmas party season with the unveiling of its specially curated limited-edition menu and festive celebration-worthy bottomless brunch.

Deer Park unwraps a festive calendar of fun for December

Deer Park Golf & Country Club is set to bring a touch of Christmas magic this December, with a month-long programme of festive events for families, friends and colleagues to enjoy.

Vue Ocean Terminal set to welcome luxurious new seating option

Film fans in Edinburgh will soon be able to enjoy the latest releases in the ultimate comfort with the arrival of Vue’s signature Ultra Lux seat at its Ocean Terminal venue.

Decade of teaching Scotland to swim capped In Edinburgh

A PROGRAMME that has created a legacy of confident swimmers across Scotland has reached a major milestone, celebrating ten years of transforming lives through the power of swimming.

Call for homeowners in Edinburgh and Lothians to check eligibility for Energy Saving Home Improvements

With energy bills remaining high and winter approaching, thousands of families in Edinburgh and the Lothians could be missing out on free home energy improvements worth £10,000 or more.

Public vote opens for Scottish Jazz Awards 2025 as scene flourishes

A stellar lineup of nominees has been announced for the Scottish Jazz Awards 2025, showcasing the exceptional talent flourishing across Scotland's vibrant jazz scene.

RZSS continues call for national ban on public sale of fireworks

The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) is renewing its call for a national ban on the public sale of fireworks, one year after the tragic death of baby red panda Roxie at Edinburgh Zoo.

Edinburgh to welcome globally renowned DJs to perform at The Johnnie Walker Experience

FREE Tickets for ‘Keep Walking Live with NTS Radio, presented by The Johnnie Walker Experience’ are available now on Resident Advisor.

Magical Winter Village to light up Fort Kinnaird for the first time this Christmas

This Christmas, Fort Kinnaird will be transformed into a festive wonderland filled with seasonal street food, artisan gifts, fairground rides and spectacular circus shows for all to enjoy.