Non-uniform Weekend Raises £25,000 for NSPCC

July 29, 2020

Blakemore Retail SPAR stores across England and Wales have raised an incredible £25,000 for the NSPCC with a ‘Dress Up or Dress Down’ fundraising weekend.

The non-uniform event, which took place from Friday 17th July to Sunday 19th July, saw colleagues showcasing a wide range of outfits.

Some adorned themselves in fancy dress while others dressed down in casual clothes, or even pyjamas. A few fancy-dress characters spotted over the weekend included Where’s Wally, Superman, SuperTed, Buzz Lightyear and Mickey and Minnie Mouse.

Colleagues organised raffles for customers and decorated their stores with flags, balloons and inflatables.

Blakemore Retail Operations Director Chris Bacon commented: “The Dress Up or Dress Down Weekend was Blakemore Retail’s first big fundraiser since the coronavirus lockdown, so an important event in the calendar.

“Colleagues really threw themselves at the occasion and raised a phenomenal amount, far surpassing the £5,000 target we set. This was especially impressive as current circumstances mean that options for fundraising activities are more limited than usual.”

“Our stores’ enthusiasm and unwavering commitment to supporting the NSPCC’s mission makes me incredibly proud. Well done to all involved!”

The funds will go towards helping the NSPCC to keep children safe from abuse and neglect.

Prior to the event Blakemore Retail had agreed a prize of £50 for the store that raised the most money, but colleagues' response was so impressive that the business decided to award £50 to stores that raised the most money in each region. These are:

• South West: St Fagans
• South East: Reepham
• North East: Brumby Corner
• North West: Gwersyllt

SPAR Bad Bargain Lane also received a £50 prize for posting the photo that received the most likes from other colleagues on Blakemore Retail’s Slack communications channel.   

Here are a few photos of the weekend:

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