Business in the Community (BITC) this year partnered with Cancer Focus NI for the return of its annual Charity Shop Challenge. Taking place on May 29, 13 businesses participated in this year’s challenge, each taking over the running of a Cancer Focus NI shop for the day. The initiative has helped raise vital funds to help the charity continue providing vital support services to local cancer patients and their families. The total amount generated will be revealed at a BITC awards ceremony on the 24 June.
Re-Gen, Northern Ireland’s largest waste management company, took over the charity’s shop in Banbridge. The team applied commercial acumen, strategic insight and teamwork to the challenge. To drive footfall and create a vibrant atmosphere on the Friday, the team organised a programme of activities including live music, bucket collections, a bun sale and three prize raffles.
In the lead-up to the takeover, the team also organised a range of fundraising activities, including the launch of a dedicated JustGiving page, a staff coffee morning, a staff raffle offering a £100 Amazon voucher, and an in-office pool tournament, to boost the company’s overall contribution. The raffle prizes were generously supported by local businesses, with Mourne Hydraulics donating a £100 voucher and AJG Gallaghers contributing £200 in vouchers.
Celine Doherty, Commercial Director at Re-Gen said, “Taking part in this year’s BITC Charity Shop Challenge has been an incredibly rewarding experience for the team. Not only did it allow us to support Cancer Focus NI, but it gave our colleagues the opportunity to come together and have a quality teambuilding experience outside of the office. The team fully embraced the challenge, demonstrating how supporting good causes is rooted in the culture of our business, having donated £1 million to local charities to date.”
BITC has supported businesses and communities across Northern Ireland for more than 35 years. It helps organisations to develop a responsible approach towards their people, the planet, and the places where they operate.
Lauren Cunningham, Community Engagement Manager at BITC, said, “Our Charity Shop Challenge continues to demonstrate the positive impact that can be achieved when businesses engage with their communities. Each year, we see participating teams fully immerse themselves in the experience, and since its launch in 2011, members have helped us raise over £450,000 for charities across Northern Ireland. We are delighted to have had Re-Gen participate this year—its commitment aligns with our goal of influencing change across key societal and environmental issues.”
Re-Gen’s mission is to decarbonise the environment. It directs waste from landfill by maximising the value of what households throw away. Its revenue has increased from £30m to circa £100m over the last five years following its continued investment in carbon reduction technology. The business is a valuable contributor to Northern Ireland’s economy employing over 400 people across its two sites in Newry.
For more information visit regenwaste.com