Companies Come Head To Head In Fundraising Challenge

Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity Press releases

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An Edinburgh based charity has recruited more than eight organisations to run its ‘Pop Up Shop’ in an Apprentice style fundraising challenge at the Gyle Shopping Centre.

Aegon UK, Bank of Scotland and Lloyds Banking Group – alongside other companies – took part in a corporate fundraising initiative, which involved each team having one day to take control of the ‘Pop Up Shop’ and sell as many products as possible to help raise money for The Sick Kids Friends Foundation and win the overall challenge.

Over the course of two opening periods – the previous one running in December 2015 – The Sick Kids Friends Foundation has now raised in excess of a staggering £38,000, over £17,000 of which was raised this summer.

Running from June 11th – July 2nd, volunteers worked hard to sell a variety of toys, including cuddly dinosaurs, cars and bubble wands available for as little as £1, as well as organising their own fundraising in a bid to raise as much money as they could.

Pippa Johnston, Director of Fundraising and Marketing at the Sick Kids Friends Foundation, said: “The response from the businesses last time was phenomenal so we felt it was only right to do it again and the responses this time around have once again been amazing.

“It is a fantastic way for the companies to have some fun while raising money for an extremely worthwhile cause.  We are really grateful to the Gyle Centre Management which has provided us with a unit to stage the Pop Up Shop for a second time.

“As a result of what we do children and young people’s lives are less interrupted by illness; they are less scared of hospital and a have a positive experience. Their families are also better supported both at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children here in Edinburgh and in their local communities.

“We do this by providing enhanced facilities, equipment and distractions and it is the generosity of businesses which are involved with our Pop Up Shop activity, and the others who raise money for us, which allows us to continue doing this.”

A team from Lloyds, Teviot House was victorious as it managed to raise an incredible £4,346. Coming in second and third were Lloyds, Dalkeith Road and Aegon UK respectively. Lloyds, Dalkeith Road finished with a fundraising total of £2,106.44 and Aegon UK raised £1,637.88.

Plans are already underway to stage the same event later on this year in December and companies are encouraged to get involved.

Pippa added: “All the businesses that took part really put their heart and soul into raising as much money as possible and a huge well done to the winner and runners up for making these amazing amounts.

“We had many businesses competing, some of which entered more than one team, so we want to say a huge thank you to everyone who got involved. They will make such a difference to the lives of many children across Scotland.  I’m urging companies who want to take part in December to get in touch as soon as possible.”

The funds from the shop will be used for a range of projects and equipment in the existing hospital and the new hospital, which is due to open in 2017.