February's Sales Fundraising Stars ⭐
This month we highlight two very different businesses that have each rapidly mobilised to use their sales, reach and platforms to fundraise in emergencies - when earthquakes hit and wars destroy lives.
We also celebrate one business's outstanding commitment to supporting conservation charities and a company that proves that profit can always sit alongside giving.
In an age of purpose-led consumerism, ESG and ethical business, the charitable and meaningful impact these businesses have made demonstrates how valuable sales fundraising is for both the charity and the business.
⭐ Deniz Gurdal, Ottoman Hands
Deniz Gurdal has raised £3000 within one day to help the people in Turkey and Syria whose lives have been destroyed by the earthquake.
People need urgent help. Fundraising through our sales for charities who are working on the ground in Turkey and Syria is the least we can do at this critical moment. "
- Deniz Gurdal, Ottoman hands
On Monday 6th February 2023, an earthquake with a magnitude of 7.8 destroyed parts of Turkey and Syria. Killing over 47,000 people. Turkish-born Deniz Gurdal, Creative Director of jewellery brand Ottoman Hands , which also manufactures in Turkey, knew she had to do something to help.
The most effective way to raise funds quickly was to immediately launch a sales fundraising campaign. Via Work for Good, she pledged to donate 100% of sales between the 7th and 8th of February to the British Red Cross, a charity that is always one of the first to respond in emergencies and has the networks and expertise to provide emergency aid to people that need it most.
In one day Deniz and Ottoman Hands raised an incredible £3000 for the Red Cross. 🙏🏻❤
“Knowing that so many people have lost their loved ones, and there are thousands of people still under rubble in the freezing cold, waiting for help is so heartbreaking. People need urgent help. Fundraising through our sales for charities working on the ground in Turkey and Syria is the least we can do at this critical moment. " Deniz Gurdal, Founder & Creative Director Ottoman Hands
This is not the first time Deniz has used her jewellery to raise funds for charities through sales fundraising campaigns. In 2022, Ottoman Hands and their customers raised funds for the Young Women's Trust and Trillion Trees.
⭐ The team at Pyranha Mouldings
Pryranha Mouldings have donated over £88,600 to the DEC.
The war in Ukraine hit close to home for us, as it takes place in an area some of our staff are from, and where some of our customers are being bombed.”
- Mathew Wilkinson, Pyranha Mouldings
When Russia invaded Ukraine in March 2022, the team at Pyranha Mouldings felt "morally compelled to help".
With strong personal connections to the country, they set up producing custom Scorches - a type of kayak - in the colours of the Ukrainian flag. 100% of the proceeds from the sale of the ‘Flag of Ukraine’ kayaks were pledged to be donated to the The Disasters Emergency Committee.
Leaning into their relationships within the global paddlesports community they were able to move swiftly. This included mobilising people to volunteer their time and resources to produce the kayaks.
In total , Pyranha Mouldings donated over £88,600 to the DEC.
⭐ Stuart Paterson, Allbyn
Stuart and his team raised £10,000 for Great Ormond Street Hospital.
I wanted to create a profitable business that was able to do good and give back. That is why I have committed to donating 10% of our net fee income to Charities and Community Grants. I also wanted to set a good example for my two daughters, who will hopefully be proud in years to come.”
- Stuart Paterson, Allbyn
Stuart Paterson is the founder of Allbyn an executive search service for the investment sector. He is also a Charity Champion, putting social impact at the heart of his business and turning his everyday work into something that helps the most vulnerable people.
An expert in his field, Stuart set out from the very start to ensure his business also gives back. Ensuring Allbyn was a force for good was at the “top of his agenda” . For every successful partnership, they donate 10% of the net fee to a charity. Since 2021 they have donated to numerous causes and recently have been working with StreetChild to fund and set up a school in a remote part of Liberia.
In early 2022 they also raised a staggering £10,000 for Great Ormond Street Hospital.
⭐ Natasha Hatcher of Hatchling Makes
In addition to raising over £1900 for conservation charities, Natasha has inspired many other businesses to fundraise for charity through their sales.
These days when customers vote with their wallets they want to make sure they're making ethical, sustainable choices and supporting charities is a great way to do that."
- Natasha Hatcher, Owner of Hatchling Makes
Fundraising for conservation charities through her business is incredibly important to long-term Charity Champion, Natasha Hatcher.
An illustrator and founder of the ethical gift and stationery brand Hatchling Makes, she is a passionate conservationist and gains inspiration from all her products from the natural world. Donating to organisations that protect endangered species and their habitats is therefore a natural fit for her vibrant brand.
With the growth in ethical consumerism, Natasha also believes that supporting charities through business is an impactful and crucial way for customers to see what a brand stands for - " it's important to customers to know that your brands ethos matches their own".
In total Natasha and her customers have raised over £1900 for charities including Butterfly Conservation, Rainforest Trust UK and Galapagos Conservation Trust. But her impact goes further than this.
She is also a passionate advocate for the importance of sales fundraising and has succesfully encouraged many businesses to follow her example and raise funds for charity through their sales.
