Since launching the charity partnership in 2020, Toolstation has raised over £1,500,000 for Macmillan, to help fund vital physical, financial, and emotional support for the millions of people living with cancer across the UK.
With the £750,000 donation, Macmillan could pay for 12 Macmillan Nurses for a whole year, helping people living with cancer and their families receive essential medical, practical and emotional support. Alternatively, the donation could support the Macmillan Cancer Information and Support team in running their Macmillan Support Line phone service for over five months. In this time, they could deal with more than 40,000 calls and web enquiries from people who need practical and emotional support, or help to navigate cancer services.
Fundraising took place across the business, with colleagues at its distribution network, support centre in Bridgwater and 550+ stores all getting involved throughout the year to help reach the record figure.
Several colleagues were sponsored by the business to shave their head for Macmillan Cancer Support as part of its Brave the Shave campaign, whilst Toolstation’s managing director, James Mackenzie and retail director Simon Robinson put on their running shoes to help raise money by participating in the 2022 London Marathon.
Last April Toolstation launched its collaboration with micro-donation charity Pennies, with customers able to add an optional donation to Macmillan Cancer Support onto their purchases when paying by card and contactless.
Additional fundraising initiatives included store raffles, bake sales, team hikes, fancy dress days and the ongoing support of Macmillan Coffee Mornings, all of which were supported through customer and colleague donations.
Toolstation has continued its support for Macmillan Cancer Support in 2023, with each store currently offering the chance for customers to win a hamper full of CT1 goodies worth over £160 by entering a prize draw, with all proceeds being donated to the charity. CT1 Sealant & Adhesive is a construction adhesive that will never shrink or crack and can be structured and painted with any type of paint.
Toolstation’s managing director, James Mackenzie says: “It’s amazing to think that we’ve raised so much money thanks to the generosity of our customers and colleagues. The wonderful work and support that Macmillan Cancer Support provides helps so many people. Our fundraising will support the charity in its efforts to be there for everyone living with or affected by cancer.”
Kate Goldman-Toomey, director of corporate partnerships & philanthropy at Macmillan Cancer Support, says: “We are so incredibly grateful for Toolstation’s continued support. Both colleagues and customers have gone above and beyond again, raising an incredible amount, undeterred by a potentially challenging fundraising environment. At Macmillan we rely on donations from the public and valued corporate partners such as Toolstation for 98% of our income. This support helps Macmillan to continue doing whatever it takes to give people living with cancer the support they need, when they need it most.”
Alison Hutchinson CBE, CEO at Pennies, says: “Thanks to the wonderful and generous customers of Toolstation giving with Pennies at checkout in-store, their contribution has played a huge role in this fantastic milestone. We know that giving ‘little and often’ is the public’s favourite way to support charities they care about – and we enjoy working hand in hand with Toolstation and Macmillan Cancer Support to unlock more feel-good giving. Long may it continue, and we’re excited about the stories we can tell colleagues and consumers about how micro-donations have made a difference!”
During 2022 Toolstation also supported several additional charitable initiatives. It has continued its partnership with Volunteer It Yourself (VIY), the social enterprise supporting volunteers aged between 14-24, who may be disengaged or excluded from mainstream education, to learn DIY and trade skills.
Last year Toolstation supported four VIY projects including the refurbishment of Wembdon Village Hall in Bridgwater, the construction of a Youth Hub in Redditch, and the renovation of a clubhouse for Long Buckby RFC in partnership with Northampton Saints. The projects saw the volunteers earn a total of 88 Entry Level 3 City & Guilds Accreditations in trade and construction skills.
Toolstation has also continued its support with the Lighthouse Club charity to signpost tradespeople through an innovative campaign across all its channels and since March last year included details in its catalogue.
To donate to Toolstation’s fundraising efforts for Macmillan, go to: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/toolstation
