UK. World Duty Free (WDF), part of Avolta, has raised more than £400,000 (US$535,000) for CCLG: The Children & Young People’s Cancer Association through employee-led fundraising initiatives across its UK business.
The total has been generated over four years through a programme of activities, including organised walks, obstacle runs, skydives, bake sales, knitting classes, dress-up days and in-store fundraising events.
WDF teams have also marked Childhood Cancer Awareness Month each September by encouraging stores to ‘go gold’ – the internationally recognised colour of childhood cancer awareness – to help raise awareness among customers.
The retailer began its partnership with CCLG in 2022 with an initial fundraising target of £120,000 (US$160,000) over three years. It has now exceeded that figure by more than three times.
Avolta HR Director UK Claire Wicks said, “Reaching this milestone is an incredible achievement and one we are very proud of.
“To have raised more than £400,000 in four years is a testament to the generosity, creativity and commitment of our teams and customers across the UK.”
She continued, “CCLG’s work to support children and young people with cancer, and their families, is a cause that resonates deeply with many of our colleagues.
“This partnership was chosen by our people and has been driven by them from the start, alongside their day-to-day roles.
“For us, this is about more than fundraising. Every pound raised helps support vital research, better information and greater hope for families facing extremely difficult moments.
“It also shows what we can achieve when our teams come together around a cause they truly care about.”
Avolta Reward & Inclusion Advisor UK Felicity Francis-Hindley said the company has now set a new fundraising target.
She commented, “Our determination remains as strong as ever. Reaching more than £400,000 is a milestone we are incredibly proud of, and we are now focused on our next ambition, which is raising £500,000 (US$669,000) by the end of 2027.
“Across the UK, our teams continue to bring energy, creativity and care to this partnership, finding new ways to fundraise while bringing colleagues and customers together around a cause that matters deeply to us.
“We are proud of what has been achieved so far and look forward to continuing this journey with CCLG over the next two years.”
CCLG Head of Fundraising Vicki Brunt said the funds would support the charity’s research programme and patient information services.
She commented: “We’d like to say a huge thank you to World Duty Free for their amazing efforts over the past four-and-a-half years. Their commitment and desire to help us drive progress has been phenomenal and it’s been a pleasure working alongside them.
“We look forward to seeing what more can be achieved.” ✈
