Launch of Active Kids in Horsham for its 10th year

Customers can now collect vouchers in-store and help registered schools, groups and clubs across Horsham receive equipment and experiences.

The scheme has launched seven months ahead of key changes to the national curriculum on cooking and healthy eating, where all pupils between the ages of seven and 14 are to be taught cookery from September.

To support these key changes, over 100 new cookery and nutrition toolkits have been added to the range of sports and cooking equipment on offer as part of the voucher exchange for schools, Scouts and Guide groups and clubs. Meanwhile, teacher resource toolkits, developed in collaboration with the British Nutritional Foundation and the Department of Education, will equip school children with the materials, ingredients and knowledge to learn the skills to lead healthier lives.

Sainsbury’s Horsham customers have until 20th May to collect vouchers and Active Kids Ambassador David Beckham said: “Helping kids in Horsham to understand why being active and eating healthily is really important, which is why I am proud to announce that Sainsbury’s Active Kids collection is now open.

“There are more ways than ever for schools, clubs and organisations to use their Sainsbury’s Active Kids vouchers - with loads of food and exercise equipment available - it’s time to get collecting Horsham”.

137 Organisations in the Horsham area are now registered to the Active Kids scheme, including Busy Bees Childcare, who joined in 2005. Thanks to Sainsbury’s customers, the Nursery collected 35,022 vouchers last year, which they put towards purchasing equipment including a giant connect 4 game, balls, foam bowling games and other play equipment for the garden as well as some children’s cameras which enable them to record their experiences .

Charlotte Hill-Upperton, Nursery Manager said: “Joining Active Kids has made a massive difference to our teaching of the benefits of a healthy, active lifestyle. We’re delighted by the support from Sainsbury’s customers and it’s helped provide us with fantastic equipment and experiences which will last us for several years to come. We’re hoping to collect even more vouchers in this landmark 10th year of the scheme”.

To celebrate the 10th year of Active Kids, registered schools, groups and clubs across Horsham can create their order wishlist online by Friday 28 February, to be one of 32 organisations across the UK in with a chance of winning their wishlist. Meanwhile, customers can also nominate an organisation online to win their wishlist too.

Also, organisations that register their 2014 order online by Wednesday 16th July and have sent their vouchers and order form by Wednesday 18th July will be entered into a prize draw, where one organisation will win their order and have it delivered by Active Kids Ambassador Ellie Simmonds.

Sainsbury’s Store Manager Derek Boarer added: “Throughout the last 10 years, our customers have played a key part in helping young children understand cooking and healthy eating from a young age With lots of great incentives this year and a greater focus on healthy eating and nutrition, we hope all of our registered schools, groups and clubs across Horsham have fun collecting over the next few months”.

Report and picture contributed by Sainsbury’s.