Tools merchant Toolstation has raised £663,421 for its charity partner Macmillan Cancer Support throughout 2024.
With Toolstation’s donation, Macmillan could pay for nine nurses, or be used to support the Macmillan Cancer Information and Support team running their support line phone service for over three months, where they could deal with more than 33,000 calls and web enquiries.
Fundraising took place across the business, with colleagues and customers at its distribution centres, head office and stores all getting involved over the last year to help reach the figure. Events included fundraising in stores, bake sales and a team Mighty Hike across the Wye Valley.
The efforts of Toolstation’s retail team led to a total of £345,233 being raised in-store, with colleagues going above and beyond by hosting regular store raffles, bake sales, fancy dress days and Macmillan Coffee Mornings, all of which were backed by customer and colleague donations.
Fundraising efforts for Macmillan also came through Toolstation’s collaboration with micro-donation charity Pennies, which enables customers to add an optional donation to the charity onto their purchases when paying by card and contactless. The generosity of customers led to a total of £190,182 being raised across the year.
Since launching the charity partnership in 2020, Toolstation has raised almost £3 million for Macmillan.
Angela Rushforth, managing director at Toolstation, said: “It’s amazing to think we’ve raised so much money thanks to the generosity of our customers and colleagues. Our partnership with Macmillan is more than just helping raise money for the charity.
“It is about educating and raising awareness of the charity’s impact, whether that be helping people learn about the different types of cancer, including symptoms, tests and treatment or providing an online community for people to share and discuss their own experiences. We’re pleased that the money raised will continue to support them in their efforts to be there for everyone living with or affected by cancer.”
Michael Stickland, director of corporate partnerships & philanthropy at Macmillan Cancer Support, commented: “We are extremely grateful for Toolstation, and its unwavering commitment to raising vital funds for Macmillan. Through sheer determination and dedication, Toolstation colleagues and customers have once again raised an absolutely staggering amount.
“As a charity that relies almost entirely on donations, it is the generous support of the public and valued partners like Toolstation that allows us to continue doing whatever it takes to give people living with cancer the support they need, when they need it most. We can’t thank Toolstation colleagues and customers enough for their support.”
