NSPCC UK is delighted with the efforts of high street shoe repair and key cutting company Timpson, who over the last 10 years have managed to raise a staggering £2 million for ChildLine thanks to its staff and customers. Timpson’s launched an innovate fund raising scheme in 2000 called ‘small job – big difference’, which involved staff at their 650 UK shops carrying out small tasks in exchange for a £1 donation to ChildLine. These jobs were only simple, such as gluing a sole or punching a belt hole, but as you can see after 10 years they soon mount up!
Chairman of Timpson’s Ltd, John Timpson, said –
I feel very proud that a simple ‘eureka’ moment in the middle of the night 10 years ago has resulted in such a fantastic amount of money for ChildLine. At first I wondered whether customers would resent being asked to donate a pound for jobs that we used to offer for free. However, I need not have worried; most customers were happy to make a donation. I am delighted at the success of the scheme and to be supporting ChildLine. They provide a vital service for children who sometimes have no where else to turn. I really think the Timpson initiative goes to show how small jobs can accumulate to make a big difference for charity.
These small jobs may only take minutes to complete, but in the 10 years since the initiative began, Timpson’s staff across the country have punched more than a million holes and used over 5 tonnes of glue to reach the amazing £2 million milestone. To commemorate this amazing achievement, Timpson’s last week held a special ChildLine fundraiser to encourage more customers to make a donations by offering an extra £1 to ChildLine for every £10 a customer spends.
ChildLine founder and President Esther Rantzen said –
Timpson’s £2 million achievement is quite amazing. It’s positive proof of the dedication of their staff and the generosity of their customers. On behalf of the thousands of children who have used the ChildLine service I’d like to say a huge thank you. I hope the public will support Timpson’s charity week and continue to donate through the small jobs – big difference initiative all year round. Timpson has shown just how a small gesture can help to provide a vital lifeline for abused, frightened children who have nowhere else to turn for help. I hope any other businesses out there who feel inspired by this simple idea can also do something to help children in distress or danger.
