On the 25th April Whizz-Kidz and Tesco celebrated the end of their 2006 Charity of the Year partnership by holding the Tesco/Whizz-Kidz fundraising awards. The awards were held to celebrate the final amount raised of £3.4 million, which smashed the original target set of £1.5 million.
The amount raised is the largest amount received by a charity in the history of Tesco Charity of the Year partnerships. The money raised will help to change the lives of over 750 disabled children across the UK by providing them with the right customised mobility equipment so that they have the independence to be themselves. The fundraising awards are held in celebration of this success and to congratulate Tesco staff for their support and dedication throughout 2006.
The fundraising awards were held at Thorpe Park on the 25th April with over 10 categories covering; best fundraising store, most supportive store manager and most active charity champion. Following the awards disabled young people, who have received equipment through the partnership, had time to enjoy the many rides at the park.
Ruth Owen, Chief Executive, Whizz-Kidz comments:
“The partnership with Tesco has been a phenomenal success. We have been touched by the way employees right throughout the company have taken Whizz-Kidz to their hearts. The amazing sum of money Tesco staff and customers have raised is a clear reflection of, and worthy testament to, their enthusiasm and determination to change the lives of disabled children across the country. I’d like to thank every employee and customer that so generously donated their money and time throughout 2006. Their contribution has enabled us to offer a better life and future to hundreds of disabled children and their families across the UK.”
Debra Stones, Tesco Corporate Responsibility Manager said: “The work that Whizz-Kidz do really is amazing and we are thrilled with the amount of money that we have managed to raise. I’d like to extend a huge thank you to everyone who has contributed in whatever way to help us to change the lives of so many children.”
