Multi-channel retailer Screwfix is celebrating after having raised more than £10,000 in just four months for prostate and testicular appeal, Everyman. The essential funds were raised a few pennies at a time by customers who donated their ‘spare change’ 50,000 times via Pennies, the electronic charity box.
Earlier this year the trade supplier added the innovative Pennies initiative to its website, which lets customers round up their total order to the nearest pound with the extra pennies going to the Everyman appeal and other UK charities.
John Mewett, marketing director at Screwfix, said: “The Pennies initiative is a new channel for an old habit. Gone are the days in which the only way to raise money was to drop a few coins into a charity box on a shop counter as now customers can easily donate a few extra pennies when they pay by card.
“Being a truly multi-channel business, we know that many of our customers buy their products online, and we therefore felt Pennies was a perfect fit enabling our customers to donate quickly and easily online. The initiative is a really simple and sustainable way to offer our ongoing support to Everyman and our customers have really embraced the concept as nearly 4,000 customers are rounding up their purchases each week, bringing in more than £800 to the charity.
“I’m sure that as we continue to work with Pennies, it will really magnify our fundraising efforts and make a huge difference to the great work that Everyman does.”
Alison Hutchinson, Chief Executive of The Pennies Foundation said: “We’ve been overwhelmed by the generosity of Screwfix’s customers, they really embraced micro-donations from day one, and continue to give in their thousands. These pennies from Screwfix’s customers really do add up, providing crucial funds for Everyman and ultimately making a huge difference to people’s lives.”
Screwfix has been working with Everyman since 2009, raising much needed funds for the appeal set up by The Institute of Cancer Research in 1997 to eradicate testicular and prostate cancer.
Everyman receives 75% of donations. The remaining 25% will be shared amongst other UK charities, including Shelter, Together for Short Lives and the Children’s Burns Trust.
