Over 100 of the best-known names in cleaning and FM came together to raise £7000 in cash and £7000 in product donations to support The Hygiene Bank charity, which tackles hygiene poverty in the UK.
Fundraiser organiser and host, Cleanology CEO Dominic Ponniah, commented: “The generosity we’ve seen has been overwhelming, we had to upscale our plans several times to adapt to demand for tickets. It shows that people across industry are willing to collaborate to support action for hygiene poverty, which is a serious issue for many in the UK.”
With a fifth of the population living in poverty, many struggle to buy even basics for personal hygiene and cleaning their homes. Figures show that one in three people has had to go without hygiene essentials, with people choosing to forego hygiene products before they are forced to accept donations from a food bank.
The event took place at Cleanology’s headquarters in Clapham, where guests mingled over drinks and canapés before the serious business began. A charity auction saw tough bidding over a range of lots donated by Cleanology clients, and raffle prizes included many donations. The biggest sale of the night was a pair of signed Ronaldo and Messi football boots offered by Rahul Moodgal, a trustee at The Hygiene Bank, which sold for a staggering £950.
Edgar Penollar, CEO of The Hygiene Bank, said: “The Hygiene Bank has grown from a simple belief that everyone should be able to access what we need to keep clean. It’s not right that feeling clean should be a luxury or a privilege for anyone in our society, yet many of us are living in poverty and can’t afford the basics.
“Each of our 150 Hygiene Bank projects encourages the public and businesses to donate in-date, unused products via our localised network of drop-off points. Products are collected, sorted, and distributed to organisations such as charities, local authority services, and schools – which then redistribute to their service users experiencing hygiene poverty.
“Cleanology’s incredible ongoing support not only raises vital funds for the charity but, by spreading awareness, allows our voice to be heard.”
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