B&Q raises £227k for homelessness charity Shelter

B&Q stores across the nation have come together for a UK-wide event to raise vital funds and awareness for B&Q’s charity partner, Shelter – the UK’s leading homelessness charity.

This year’s B&Q’s ‘Raise the Roof’ event has raised over £227k so far with more donations still coming in from stores nationwide. The jewel in the crown of the celebrations was the 24-hour themed dance-a-thon, which took place at the B&Q head office in Southampton. The gruelling dance marathon was spearheaded by none other than disco diva and B&Q Customer and Digital Director, Paddy Earnshaw.

In addition to this, B&Q colleagues across all corners of the UK took part in a fundraising extravaganza of activities, peppered with themed merchandise, as well as local communities letting loose in a fun-filled ‘house party’ themed celebration.

Complete with glitz, glam and fancy dress this year’s events smashed last year’s £220k fundraising record all in aid of Shelter and its partner charities Shelter Scotland, Shelter Cymru, Housing Rights and Focus Ireland.

Paddy Earnshaw said of the fundraising efforts: “It was great to see so many of my fellow B&Q colleagues joining in this year’s fundraising activities and taking to the dance floor.

At B&Q, we are always looking for ways in which we can help support important causes and are proud to work with Shelter, the leading housing and homelessness charity who shares our belief that everybody should have a safe and happy home!”

Participants of the danceathon grooved to an eclectic mix of chart-topping floor fillers, including We Built this City, Fix You and If I Had a Hammer.

B&Q’s annual ‘Raise the Roof’ fundraiser is a pivotal part of the retailer’s commitment to supporting Shelter and the vital work they do in helping defend the right to safe housing.

B&Q first launched its partnership with Shelter in 2017. Since then, B&Q’s colleagues’ and customers’ donations have completely funded Shelter’s DIY Skills Adviser Service whilst also supporting its essential frontline services, providing advice and practical help to those facing with housing issues or homelessness.

Andy Harris, Director of Income Generation at Shelter, said: “with the number of households facing homelessness the highest on record, Shelter’s work is more urgent than ever. We help hundreds of people and families impacted by the housing emergency every day, but we couldn’t do this without everyone who fundraises for us – including the brilliant efforts of the team at B&Q.

We want to thank the B&Q colleagues and customers across the country who gave it their all for the ‘Raise the Roof’ weekend, including throwing their best shapes on the dancefloor for Shelter. Our partnership means we can reach more people with specialist advice and practical support, and it means we can campaign for lasting change to make access to a safe home a reality for all.”

To donate to Shelter, please visit www.shelter.org.uk