B&Q collaborates with Neighbourly for their annual Community Days.
- The initiative involves 311 B&Q stores in the UK and Ireland.
- Each store provides volunteers and up to £1,000 worth of materials for local projects.
- Since 2019, B&Q has supported over 2,000 local causes through this initiative.
- Community Reuse programme reduces waste and aids local groups with surplus materials.
B&Q has partnered with Neighbourly to launch their annual Community Days initiative, a programme involving all 311 stores across the United Kingdom and Ireland. This forward-thinking volunteer scheme encourages B&Q employees to leverage their skills and resources for local causes. Each store assembles a team of volunteers and provides up to £1,000 in materials to complete a selected community project.
This year’s projects are diverse, ranging from renovating community centres to creating gardens or enhancing facilities for people in need. B&Q employees actively engage with the communities where they operate, aiming to make a tangible impact. “The store team loves getting out into the community to give back and share some of our DIY skills,” says Richard Cooper, a store manager at B&Q Blackpool, highlighting a project to refurbish Angels Rest, a supported housing block.
Since its inception in 2019, this initiative has made significant strides, with B&Q colleagues supporting over 2,000 local charities and groups. A notable example is their collaboration with Blackpool & The Fylde Street Angels, a charity assisting people facing homelessness, addiction, or exploitation. B&Q employees have contributed over 200 hours of volunteering to this cause alone.
Beyond the Community Days, B&Q also runs a Community Reuse programme. This initiative further bolsters their commitment to social responsibility by donating surplus products to local community groups, schools, and charities. To date, B&Q has distributed 725 tonnes of surplus materials, underpinning their mission to reduce waste while supporting those most in need.
Jo Curtis, B&Q’s community manager, asserts that these initiatives underscore B&Q’s commitment to social responsibility, showcasing the power of community collaboration. Her sentiments are echoed by Steve Butterworth, CEO of Neighbourly, who appreciates B&Q’s focus on creating impactful community programmes, demonstrated through the effective use of surplus products and meaningful local partnerships.
B&Q’s Community Days and Reuse initiatives exemplify the positive impact businesses can have on their local communities.
