Crossroads Care’s new fund-raising initiative ‘Charity Shop Challenge’ took off this summer with teams from local businesses accepting the challenge to take over one of the charity’s shops for a day to raise much needed funds.
Isle of Man Bank and Scottish Widows were the first to take part in Crossroads’ challenge, a fun filled team building exercise, competing against one another to maximise the day’s takings in the shop.
Isle of Man Bank’s team ‘the Invincibles’ took a no holds barred approach and threw themselves into the challenge, raising funds ahead of the day they donned their superhero outfits to take over the shop.
The team, consisting of Sarah Kelly, Diane Goddard, Jane Howland, Emma Carr and Lorna Wint, hosted fundraising activities such as ‘Celebrity Breakfasts’, a sponsored silence and a cake sale in the office. Then sold bric-a-brac and collected donations in the shop to bring £4,321.88 to the till.
CMI Scottish Widows took a more regal approach with special guests including the Queen, Prince Philip and Mayor David Ashford drawing in the crowds. Whilst they were more modest in their activities they brought a not so modest amount of £1,721.22 to the till and just missed out on winning title of ‘Crossroads Care’s Charity Shop Champion’.
Sarah Kelly of winning team ‘the Invincibles’ said: “We accepted this challenge not only because Crossroads is a customer of the Bank but also as we all recognise the great work that Crossroads Care does by offering support and delivering high quality services for carers and people with care needs of all ages here on the Isle of Man”.
“This challenge gave us all a very valuable insight into the workings of the social enterprise arm of Crossroads Care, none of us had any idea just how much hard work and effort is required into getting the clothes ready for sale, checking for damage, sizing, pricing and even ironing so that the window displays looked attractive and encouraged people into the shop to buy”.
“We were amazed by the generosity of the public on the day - not only did they take advantage of our fabulous bargains in the shop they also gave donations to us as we stood outside the shop in our super hero costumes and whilst we raised more than a few smiles we were happy to raise lots of pounds too. We are thrilled to win the trophy and look forward to defending it next year".
Bill Shimmins, Managing Director of Isle of Man Bank, said: "Sarah, Emma, Lorna, Diane and Jane have approached this challenge with imagination. Their creative approach combined with sheer hard work quickly got the rest of the staff on board to support this worthy cause".
Alex Wilson of Crossroads Care said: “It has been great to see two teams enter and leave this challenge so enthusiastically. The shops were transformed and injected with life and fun on the challenge days and our regulars as well as new markets thoroughly enjoyed the activities and sales. The amounts raised by both companies exceeded expectations and the grand total is testament to their hard work. The funds are much needed and will enable us to provide more care hours for more people to meet an ever growing demand for our services. Well done and congratulations to all who took part and we hope to see you again as well as some other teams next year”.
Crossroads are looking for teams to take part in the challenge next year. If you would be interested in entering a team, please visit www.crossroadsiom.org for more information or contact Karen Harris on 673103.
