Blakemore Retail Bank Holiday Fundraiser Generates Thousands for NSPCC

September 03, 2021

Blakemore Retail’s PANTS Weekend fundraiser held in aid of the NSPCC over the August bank holiday has already raised in excess of £35,000, despite all funds not yet being counted.

From 28th to 30th August, all of A.F. Blakemore's company-owned SPAR stores across England and Wales organised PANTS fundraisers for the NSPCC while raising awareness of how parents can help keep their children safe from sexual abuse. 

Talk PANTS, also known as the Underwear Rule, has been created by the NSPCC to help parents teach their young children that their body belongs to them and that they should always speak to an adult they trust if they are worried about anything.

Blakemore Retail colleagues got into the spirit of the event by showing off their pants and organising raffles, cake sales and colouring competitions.

PANTS Weekend is one of Blakemore Retail’s annual fundraising highlights, and the past three events prior to this year have collectively raised £118,335.

Blakemore Retail Managing Director Matt Teague commented: “Our store colleagues have once again thrown themselves into PANTS Weekend and raised a phenomenal amount for the NSPCC.

“Their continued enthusiasm for supporting the charity’s mission makes me incredibly proud. Well done to all involved!”

Brand new for this year was a limited-edition Pantosaurus cookie, created with the support of AFB’s Trading team. Circa 11,000 were sold in Blakemore Retail stores over the bank holiday, with 10% of proceeds being donated to the NSPCC.

Also new for 2021 is the NSPCC’s first children’s book, Pantosaurus and the Power of PANTS, which Blakemore Retail contributed £15,000 towards. The book is on sale in more than 50 Blakemore Retail stores, with all profits going towards supporting the charity’s vital work.

Since 2006, Blakemore Retail colleagues have raised more than £4 million for the NSPCC via instore fundraisers and sponsored events. 

This money has enabled the charity to reach millions of children and young people, giving them a voice when no one else will listen and empowering them to build happier futures.

More information on Talk PANTS and a range of free materials for parents are available at www.nspcc.org.uk/pants. 

If you would like to support Blakemore Retail’s fundraising efforts for the NSPCC, please visit their JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/BlakemoreRetail2021-22. 
 

Check Out the NSPCC’s New Children’s Book

As mentioned above, Pantosaurus and the Power of PANTS is now on sale in more than 50 Blakemore Retail stores. Click here for a list of stores stocking it. Each copy costs £10.99 and all profits will go towards supporting the NSPCC’s vital work.

AFB colleagues in the West Midlands can also purchase the books from Blakemore Retail’s head office. Please contact Caroline Wills (cwills@afblakemore.co.uk) to request a copy.

The book is based on the charity’s Talk PANTS campaign and features the NSPCC’s friendly dinosaur Pantosaurus, who is celebrating his 5th birthday this year.

The book will help children learn about the PANTS rules, which aim to help keep them safe from sexual abuse. From P through to S, each letter of PANTS provides a simple but valuable rule for children – that their private parts are private, that their body belongs to them, and that they should tell an adult they trust if they’re worried or upset. 
 

Here are a few photos from the weekend: 

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