GRASS roots community causes were rewarded with a cash bonanza thanks to the Cambs Times. This year we teamed up with Cambridgeshire Community Foundation (CCF) to give away �20,000 for people who make a big difference in their towns, villages and streets.

GRASS roots community causes were rewarded with a cash bonanza thanks to the Cambs Times.

This year we teamed up with Cambridgeshire Community Foundation (CCF) to give away �20,000 for people who make a big difference in their towns, villages and streets.

In total 18 organisations in the Fens were given up to �2,000 to build new facilities, provide volunteer services and start up new clubs for vulnerable people.

Top beneficiaries included March Amateur Boxing Club, which was given �2,000 to help towards its running costs.

The sports club, one of the oldest in March, aims to provide training for all age groups and provide a keep fit programme for all its members. It also hopes to buy two new rowing machines.

Meanwhile the Benwick Village Hall Committee will put its �1,920 towards fire proof curtains and install timers on its heaters, helping it to save even more pennies.

March Athletics Club will be able to fund three new coaching courses thanks to a �1,770 windfall whereas Wisbech Town Acorns can now buy football goal posts and kits with a �1,350 donation.

Others getting a financial boost include Benwick Forget Me Not over 55s group, which will pay for a coach trip and entertainment, 1st Benwick Scout Group, which aims to purchase a new marquee, and the March, Manea and Whittlesey Street Pride groups.

The cash was open to any group that had been active in the community for at least 12 months and with an average annual income of no more than �30,000 over the last three years.

Cambs Times editor John Elworthy said: “Organisations like these are the motor of the Fens. They keep out communities moving and make them wonderful places to live.

“We hope this �20,000 of giveaways will help them to do what they do best - support the people of Fenland.”