M&S ‘Mad Hatters’ take over charity shop

The initiative will see six M&S staff take charge of the charity’s homeware store on Market Street with an Alice in Wonderland theme.

Altogether, 14 teams from 14 different companies are planning ‘take overs’ of shops across Northern Ireland. There will be an overall winner chosen – the team that raises the most money – and a range of other category winners such as ‘Most Innovative Idea’ and ‘Best Photograph’.

“This is a great opportunity for members of our team to join forces and give something back to a very worthwhile cause,” explains Avril Loughlin, Regional Plan A Co-ordinator for Marks & Spencer.

“There will be lots of bargains and wacky fundraising ideas taking place during our shop take over and we’re committed to raising as much money as possible.

“All the staff will be dressed in Alice in Wonderland style costumes and the window display we are planning is incredible, it really will entice people in.”

In addition to the homeware sold in store, Marks & Spencer will also be donating furniture worth almost £2,000 in total, including a stylish storage bed, occasional chair and console table, all being auctioned on the day.

Avril contin

ued: “Some of the other initiatives we have planned include the upcycling of original furniture, personalised plaques made on the day, and the hiring of a van, which means we can provide free delivery to customers.

“Our strapline is ‘Donation, Imagination, Recreation’. We hope to see as many people come in to the shop as possible, and do their bit for Action Cancer!”

Organiser, Hilary Hanberry, Volunteering Manager, Business in the Community said, “Last year, the teams involved in the Shops’ Challenge raised over £65,000 which was absolutely amazing. We hope people will come out in force to support all of our teams in their efforts to increase the total for this year.”

Peter Lynch, Action Cancer Retail Operations Manager adds: “Every pound raised makes a real difference to people across Northern Ireland. Since Action Cancer’s BIG BUS went on the road in 2006, it has provided 26,430 Breast Screenings and 15,129 Health Checks which take place on board the bus itself.

“The funds raised through our shops go directly to supporting someone’s grandparent through their treatment, someone’s mother, daughter or aunt who is facing breast cancer, a dad who has just learned that he has prostate cancer, to name just a few.

“The money raised during this challenge could be used to help someone you know. Cancer is everywhere and it’s everyone’s responsibility to help reduce the risk, promote early detection or encourage friends to use our services. We hope this year’s challenge is the best ever.”

To find out more visit, www.bitcni.org.uk, e-mail [email protected] or call (028) 9046 0606. Business in the Community (BITC) stands for responsible business BITC is a membership organisation for successful companies committed to responsible business, encouraging them to be a force for good in society.

We have a core membership of 850+ companies throughout the UK, including 80% of the FTSE 100. Over 250 of these companies are members in Northern Ireland and members employ 36% of the workforce in Northern Ireland.

The President of Business in the Community is HRH The Prince of Wales and the Chair of the Northern Ireland Board is Roy Adair, Belfast Harbour. Mark Price, Managing Director of Waitrose is the national Chair of Business in the Community.