Children‘s charity Barnardo‘s has been given a pre-Christmas boost after receiving donations of toys worth over £700,000 from six week campaign with Argos.
Argos customers donated 71,251 bags of second-hand toys to Barnardo‘s during the six week Toy Exchange campaign, which marked the start of a new partnership between the retailer and the children‘s charity.
As the bags were valued at approximately £10 each, it is estimated that the campaign will raise around £712,510 when the toys are sold in Barnardo‘s stores. Commenting on the campaign, Barnardo‘s director of retail and trading, Gerard Cousins said: “We are delighted that the Argos Toy Exchange has proved such a success.
“Christmas is one of our busiest times, so receiving this substantial boost to our stock is great.
“Donations are essential in order to keep our stores trading.
“All profits from selling these items are ploughed directly into Barnardo‘s work with vulnerable and disadvantaged children, so a huge thank you to everyone who has donated.”
Customers who donated their unwanted toys received £5 vouchers redeemable against a £35 spend on toys at Argos stores until Christmas Eve.
Donation stations were located at 740 Argos stores, and donations can still be made at any of the 500 Barnardo‘s outlets across the UK.
Argos Managing Director, John Walden ,said: “This is the first time Argos has been involved in such a partnership and we are truly delighted by the level of support our customers and colleagues have shown.
“As a family retailer we hope that the money raised will mean more children get to have a happy Christmas this year and in years to come thanks to our customers‘ generosity and kindness.”
