‘Shop for Change’ initiative reaches €1m milestone

BT IRELAND’S annual Shop for Change event saw its employees take over ten Irish Cancer Society charity shops across Limerick, Dublin, Louth and Wicklow last month.

The one-day event was part of their ongoing efforts to support those living with cancer by providing much-needed funds for cancer care and research.

The initiative achieved a significant milestone, raising an additional €45,000 in November. This brings their total funds raised to over €1m since 2012.

This year, BT volunteers from across the country participated in various activities such as stock collection, running charity shops, bucket collections, and organising fundraising events. They collected a total of 975 bags of donated clothing and other items for charity.

“We are incredibly proud of our team’s dedication and the community’s generosity,” said Shay Walsh, Managing Director of BT Ireland. “The funds raised through Shop for Change will make a significant impact on the lives of those affected by cancer.”

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“As part of BT’s commitment to responsible, inclusive and sustainable business, supporting good causes has been a long-standing priority for BT Ireland, positively impacting many local communities.”

Paul Hughes, General Manager Retail at the Irish Cancer Society, added, “BT Ireland’s continued support through the Shop for Change initiative is invaluable. Almost 40,000 people in Ireland are diagnosed with cancer each year. The funds raised help us provide essential services and support to those in need.”

Any remaining stock collected by BT employees will continue to be available in the Irish Cancer Society charity shops across the country. You can find many high-quality clothes and other affordable items in the shops, and by buying second-hand, you also help reduce waste that would otherwise end up in landfills.

Launched in 2012, the Great Charity Shops Challenge, since renamed to ‘Shop for Change’ has raised a significant amount over the past 12 years. Total funds raised with this initiative amount to over €1 million and include annual fundraising efforts for the Irish Cancer Society in the Republic of Ireland, and previously Marie Curie Hospice in Northern Ireland.