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!”

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