The Douglas-based ICM Group allows its staff two volunteer days a year to help local charities. A team of seven chose to take part in the Crossroads Care charity shop challenge for businesses. This challenge is designed for local businesses to get involved by taking over one of the charity’s shops for the day and raising as much money as possible.
The ‘ICM Spring Cleaners’ chose to manage the Victoria Street shop on Friday 19 April with a Spring Fayre theme. They ran the 50p garage sale, did a bucket collection, had live models in the shop window, sold donated stock in the shop and organised a raffle with some fantastic prizes, including donations from Domino's, Oopsy Daisy florist and Thornton’s.
To attract attention the team borrowed a giant rabbit outfit and were assisted by a juggling clown from The Play People. The day was a huge success and the girls raised over ?500 for Crossroads Care.
Annette Pinhorn of Crossroads who helped the team organise the day told us:
‘We would like to say thanks to the ICM team for being such a friendly enthusiastic group. I hope they found the world of charity shops fun and rewarding. I understand that they will be carrying on with other fundraising events over the next few months to top up their grand total. We are always looking for volunteers to help in the shops and of course if any other businesses would like to take up the charity day challenge they can contact us for details. Help with fundraising is crucial for us and we really appreciate the effort the girls went to - making it a special day!’
Crossroads Care, a Manx registered charity (no.383), provides practical and emotional support for carers and those living with care needs on the Isle of Man. First established in 1988, it celebrates its 25th birthday this year. For further information about the work of Crossroads Care please visit their website: crossroadsiom.org.
Photo - The ICM Spring Cleaners in action: pictured Julie Morrison and Louise Pearcy.
