IT WAS a big cheque that will make a big difference to local schools.
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Representatives Mac Ryan and Makayla Taggart from St Joseph's School, Amy Reynolds and Malcom Voerman from Oberon High School, Jedd Ryan and Jorgia Taylor from Oberon Public School, Hannah Curran and Dylan Grant from Hampton Public School, Hugh Taylor from O'Connell Public School and Karolyn Blackburn from Black Springs Public gathered on Monday for the presentation of the Mawhood Brothers Supa IGA Community Chest funds for 2018.
This year the larger schools St Joseph's, Oberon High and Oberon Public received $800 each and the smaller schools Hampton, Black Springs and O'Connell public schools received $400.
In the past six years, a total of $28,300 has been given to community groups and schools.
IN OTHER NEWS AROUND OBERON:
Supa IGA's Ian Mawhood said these donations started over 20 years ago, so if it is averaged out, more than $80,000 has gone back into the community.
St Joseph's School principal Jaydem Hadson said they will put the money towards their refurbishment project for an indoor play area.
O'Connell Public will put the money towards a new arts program for students.
Oberon Public School relieving principal Jocelyn Armstrong said the school's P and C has a lot of fundraisers, but to receive a lump sum amount is "wonderful".
Community Chest funds have been donated over the years to the St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal, Oberon Tarana Heritage Railway, Oberon sporting clubs and Oberon Pool.
The IGA Community Chest program works by crediting a percentage of all products purchased with the IGA Community Chest logo to a special account.
During IGA Community Chest catalogue promotion weeks, all products in the catalogue bearing the special IGA Community Chest logo contribute to the "Chest".
The store then selects a beneficiary each year among local community groups, not-for-profit organisations, charities and other worthy causes for the funds raised.
Mr Mawhood said the local and district communities "support our business, so it is great to give back".
"If students benefit from the donation, we are happy," he said.
