Thousands Raised for Local Charity In Apprentice Style Challenge

Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity Press releases

 

Sick Kids Friends Foundation Charity Pop Up Shop Team ICR Veterinary PracticeOver twenty businesses from across the UK have collectively raised more than £20,000 for the Sick Kids Friends Foundation by competing in an apprentice style charity challenge.

The 21 corporate volunteer teams involved each had one day to take control of an exclusive pop up shop in the Gyle Shopping Centre, with the aim of selling as much as possible in order to win the challenge.

The Sick Kids Friends Foundation opened up shop from the 3rd to 24th December after sending out a request to businesses to sell the merchandise inside.

A grand total of £21,078.38 was raised from sales, with all the money going towards the charity which supports the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Edinburgh.

 

Phenomenal response

Roslyn Neely, CEO of the Sick Kids Friends Foundation, said: “The response from the businesses was phenomenal and we are delighted that so many wanted to be involved.

“It was 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 who provided us with a unit to stage the Pop Up Shop.

“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. Children and young people’s families are better supported too 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 who got involved with our pop up shop, and the others who raise money for us, which allows us to continue doing this.”
The shop, which was stocked with brand new toys and games, was officially opened by brothers Archie (8) and George (6) McIntosh. The siblings were keen to be involved as both are patients at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Edinburgh and have benefitted from projects funded by the Sick Kids Friends Foundation.

Astounding

The overall winner of the challenge was Overbury, an Office Fit Out Company with branches across the UK, who managed to sell merchandise and take donations amounting to an astounding £3290.

Close runners up were Smart Property Lettings, a property letting agent from Edinburgh with £1800, followed by the Scottish car dealers John Clark Motor Group who raised £1600 worth.

Roslyn added: “All the businesses which took part really put their heart and soul into raising as much money as possible and a huge well done to the Sick Kids Friends Foundationwinner and runners up for making these amazing amounts.

“However we had many businesses competing including Lloyds Banking, Virgin Money and Tesco Bank, some of which entered more than one team, so really we just want to say a huge thank you to everyone who got involved.

“It will really help make a difference to the lives of many children across Scotland. We hope that the teams involved this year will be just as competitive if we decide to hold the pop-up shop again next year.”

But the fundraising didn’t stop there, many of the companies also organised and number of other activities to add to their totals, including selling reindeer food, tombolas, dressing up, and face painting. Smart Property Lettings have also pledged to support the Sick Kids Friends Foundation even more by donating every month from their profits made.

A thank you evening was held on the 26th of January in the Virgin Money Lounge where the total amount raised was announced. The funds from the shop will be used for a range of projects and equipment in the existing hospital and the new hospital due to open in 2017.

 

 

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