Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre retailer, has today (8 July) launched the search for its next National Charity Partner, as part of its 160th year celebrations. The new partnership will commence on 1 March 2025, following the conclusion of Dobbies’ successful nine-year collaboration with the Teenage Cancer Trust which has raised £1.39 million to-date.
With a long-standing history of supporting charities and communities across the UK, Dobbies’ strong commitment to fundraising is demonstrated through support from colleagues and customers. In-store donations and initiatives, such as Christmas shopping nights, team challenges, dedicated fundraising weekends and the opportunity to make donations when booking events, are a regular fixture across Dobbies’ 77 stores.
Despite the cost-of-living crisis, the UK continues to be a charitable nation. The latest figures show that 75% of Britons supported charities in 2023, donating a record £13.9 billion[i], highlighting the enduring generosity of the British public.
The National Charity Partner will work alongside the retailer to develop a programme of fundraising activity for the period 2025-2026 that celebrates Dobbies’ commitment to bring people and communities together.
Dobbies CEO, David Robinson, said: “Thanks to our colleagues and customers we have raised an amazing £1.39 million for Teenage Cancer Trust in the last nine years. This has been a really fantastic partnership and we’re super excited to see which charity will not only be an important part of our 160th anniversary, but key part of our community engagement for the year.”
Andy Tyas, general manager of Dobbies Southport, whose team has raised £57,240 for Teenage Cancer Trust in 2023, said: “Being able to fundraise for charity is really important to us and we feel proud to be able to give our customers the chance to make donations, whether in store or online. It brings us together as a team and we can’t wait to see who we will be supporting from 2025.”
Donna Bednarek, senior relationship manager at Teenage Cancer Trust, said: “We are incredibly grateful for our partnership with Dobbies over the last nine years. The amount they have donated is remarkable.
“The money raised from the partnership allows Teenage Cancer Trust to offer specialist nursing care, and tailored support, helping young people with cancer maintain their identity, independence, and dreams, so cancer doesn’t steal some of the most important years of their lives.”
Charities that meet the selection criteria are invited to apply online, with applications open until 5pm on Friday 16 August. A shortlist will then be chosen from all the applications, and shortlisted charities may be invited to submit additional information, and attend a meeting with key business stakeholders, before a final decision is made. For more information and to apply, please visit Dobbies’ website: https://www.dobbies.com/charity-partner-appeal
