Highcross Leicester £50,000 parking cash to go to charities

Highcross Leicester is to hand out a total of £50,000 to charities and community groups across the region.

The money is from donations made by visitors to the shopping centre's car park.

Not-for-profit organisations within the East Midlands are now being encouraged to apply for grants of up to £5,000.

The money will be given to groups which benefit their local community and run projects within the themes of arts and culture, health, education and skills and environment.

Michael Holland, of Highcross Leicester, said: "The bursary is Highcross's way of making an even bigger difference to the East Midlands community, and all funds donated will go a long way towards helping worthy causes achieve their goals."

Car park customers donating a 2.5% VAT reduction into a central pot.

More than £30,000 was donated, in May, to Rainbow's children's hospice, in Loughborough, and environmental charity Groundworks Leicester & Leicestershire.

Now, Highcross has guaranteed £50,000 towards the bursary, which is based on car park usage forecasts made until December 31– when the VAT reduction ends.

Any cash raised above that level will be donated to Rainbows and Groundworks.

Mr Holland said: "We've been displaying notices at our car park pay stations since the VAT reduction was implemented, which inform customers that the amount can be reclaimed at our customer information desk if preferred.

"But their feedback has been fantastic, with not one amount claimed back, demonstrating the generosity of shoppers from across the region."

The deadline for applications to the Highcross Bursary is December 24.

A panel of judges, including Leicester Mercury editor Keith Perch, will choose the successful projects.

Holly Vinas-Bennett, from Voluntary Action Leicestershire, an organisation that supports local charities, said "We think it is a really good idea, and would be happy to work with both Highcross and community groups to ensure its success."

Shopper Joseph Evans, 74, from Syston, welcomed the idea.

He said: "I wasn't aware of the scheme, but I think it's a good thing. It's not a problem giving to charity.

"I believe people around here are generous towards charities."

Carl Tranter, 18, from Knighton, Leicester, said: "I don't think the reduction in VAT would make much of a difference to the car park, but the extra money could really help the charities."

To register online and complete an application form, visit:

www.highcrossleicester.com /communitybursary