The NSPCC is expressing huge thanks to Blakemore Retail, for raising more than £5 million for the charity over the course of their 18-year partnership.
During the alliance – which finishes this summer – funds have been dedicated to the charity’s children’s counselling service, Childline, the NSPCC’s Helpline for adults who are concerned about a child’s wellbeing and to Speak out, Stay safe, a programme which helps children to recognise abuse in all forms.
Blakemore Retail also supported the Home or Out Alone initiative, which helps to guide parents on whether their child is ready to be left home alone or leave their home without an adult.
Fundraising efforts by staff members have been creative and inspiring. Over the past 18 years Blakemore Retail staff have gone above and beyond, running marathons, organising hikes up Snowdon, even taking a bath in baked beans to raise money for the NSPCC. One fundraiser also completed a remarkable trip to Mount Everest base camp which raised more than £1,000.
For the 16th year of the partnership the retailer ran a sweet sixteen campaign and held an 18th birthday for their final year of supporting the NSPCC. The 18th anniversary of the partnership was particularly significant as it is the whole duration of a childhood.
Jo Swinhoe, director of income generation, fundraising and engagement at NSPCC said: “The 18-year partnership between Blakemore Retail and the NSPCC has been nothing short of remarkable, we cannot thank them enough. Not only is the amount of money that has been raised fantastic, but the methods in which it was generated were truly wonderful.
“We were delighted to see the variety of store fundraisers that took part, including daring skydives, sliming, numerous fancy dress days and even sitting in a bathtub of beans.
“Child abuse knows no bounds, and with a child reaching out to Childline every 45 seconds, Blakemore Retail’s support has been vital.”
Blakemore Stores operations director, Chris Bacon, said: “Blakemore Retail has been supporting the NSPCC for 18 years, and it’s been great to see the impact we’ve had.
“Community is at the heart of everything we do as a business, and supporting the NSPCC has given us an incredible opportunity to serve those communities across the UK.”
Any adults concerned about a child’s safety or wellbeing can contact the NSPCC Helpline at help@nspcc.org.uk or by calling 0808 800 5000. Children can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or childline.org.uk.
