Toolstation’s Charitable Journey with Macmillan: £2 Million Raised in Three Years
Toolstation, a leading retailer of tools and building materials, has reached a remarkable milestone in its partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support by raising over £2 million since the collaboration began in September 2020. This impressive achievement underscores Toolstation’s commitment to making a significant impact on the lives of people affected by cancer.
From its base in Bridgwater, Toolstation has engaged employees, customers, and suppliers in a diverse range of fundraising activities, which have collectively contributed to this substantial sum. Employees across the company’s 550 stores, distribution, and support centres have taken part in various events to support Macmillan, demonstrating a unified effort to achieve a common goal.
Dynamic Fundraising Activities: A Company-Wide Effort
The fundraising activities at Toolstation have been as varied as they have been impactful. Notable efforts include:
- Challenge Events: Employees have participated in physically demanding events such as the Tough Mudder challenge and the London Marathon, where several directors have run for three consecutive years.
- Team Endeavours: The finance team embarked on a 563-mile walk, showcasing their dedication and determination to contribute to the cause.
- Creative Fundraisers: The company has also engaged in Macmillan’s Brave the Shave campaign, sponsored dog walking, team walking events, fancy dress days, and the renowned Macmillan Coffee Morning.
- In-Store Initiatives: Toolstation’s stores have supported fundraising through customer donations during key holidays and collaborated with the micro-donation charity, Pennies, to amplify their impact.
- Supplier Collaborations: Suppliers have offered hampers for prize draws and created Cause Related Marketing products, such as a Macmillan-branded charging cable, with a £1 donation per product sold.
These efforts highlight Toolstation’s innovative approach to fundraising and its ability to rally its entire network behind a meaningful cause.
‘Raise Your Skin Standards’ Campaign: Protecting Tradespeople from Skin Cancer
In addition to its fundraising activities, Toolstation has launched a new campaign in partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support, focusing on raising awareness of skin cancer among tradespeople. The campaign, ‘Raise Your Skin Standards’, developed by the creative agency Krow Group, aims to encourage outdoor workers to prioritise sun protection and take precautions against the risks associated with prolonged sun exposure.
Greg Richardson, Toolstation’s Head of Marketing, emphasised the importance of this initiative, stating, “We know that tradespeople don’t have much time on their hands so prioritising suncare can be difficult, but it’s really important that tradespeople are well-informed about the implications of being burnt while working in the sun and the steps they can take to minimise that risk. We hope the campaign helps them overcome that risk and will make wearing sun cream when working outdoors as common as PPE.”
Addressing a Widespread Issue
The campaign addresses the concerning statistic that as many as one in four (24%) tradespeople never wear sunscreen while on the job, despite 68% always using it when on holiday. By comparing sun-damaged skin to a poorly completed building job, the campaign delivers a powerful visual message: “Cracking – you wouldn’t leave a site like this, so why let it happen to your skin? Stand up to skin cancer with sun protection on site.”
Rebecca Fanning, Macmillan Cancer Support’s corporate partnerships manager, highlighted the importance of this campaign, stating, “We are pleased to partner with Toolstation on their ‘Raise Your Skin Standards’ campaign, to help raise awareness of staying safe in the sun amongst Toolstation’s community. The stark statistic that tradespeople are eight times more likely to develop skin cancer is a reminder of the risks sun exposure can have on developing skin cancer and the importance of following skin protection advice and checking skin regularly. Working with valued partners like Toolstation helps Macmillan to amplify this message and direct Toolstation’s community to Macmillan’s support services if they need more information.”
A Partnership Making a Difference
Toolstation’s partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support is a testament to the power of collaboration and community engagement. By combining creative fundraising initiatives with impactful awareness campaigns, Toolstation is not only raising significant funds but also fostering a culture of care and responsibility within its network.
Angela Rushforth, Toolstation’s Managing Director, reflected on the partnership’s success, saying, “To smash through the £2 million milestone in three years is nothing short of sensational. When we partnered with Macmillan Cancer Support, our objective was to find ways to support our local communities with help when they need it most, through our fundraising efforts. The time, generosity, and imagination of our customers and colleagues have been remarkable. Our fundraising will support the charity in its efforts to be there for everyone living with or affected by cancer.”
As the campaign continues to run on Toolstation’s social media channels throughout August, it serves as a reminder of the vital role businesses can play in supporting charitable causes and addressing critical health issues. Toolstation and Macmillan Cancer Support have set a benchmark for effective partnerships, inspiring others to take similar steps in their corporate social responsibility efforts.
