Chuf’s long-time friends at JT Dove finished 2022 on a high having raised £23,000 throughout the year for the charity. This brings the total to an impressive £200,000 since the charitable partnership began.

Dove is the leading independant builder’s merchant business with a history spanning over 153 years. It has it’s roots right here in the North East which is why they were keen to work with a local charity providing fundraising support that would make a meaningful difference in the region.

In 2015 the company’s 15 branches began working to raise funds for Chuf’s Scott House (parent accomodation) as part of the ‘CHUF ‘N’ BUILDERS’ challenge. Since then, both the business and charity relationship have gone from strength to strength.

In the last 8 years, the company has added another 6 branches to its arsenal from the Scottish Borders to Tees Valley and continues to raise money, year on year for Heart Heroes. Managing Director Steve Robinson has always asserted the importance of the business being able to create a positive and worthwhile impact on the community that they serve, as well as highlighting how the partnership has informed the company’s professional development for staff.

“Chuf is embedded in our business plans and our work with the charity has brought a lot of fun to the workplace. The events give us a chance to connect staff across the branches and to engage with our customers and suppliers in different ways. Perhaps most importantly is the opportunity it gives for our merchant apprentices who get the opportunity to take the lead on some of our fundraising activities and grow in skills and confidence much more quickly that they might otherwise. I’ve seen some of the quieter members of staff blossom and move up in the business because they were able to demonstrate excellent communication and leadership skills; that’s pretty special!”

In 2022 the team held their annual charity golf day, held a casino afternoon, took on the Great North Run, saw 9 brave souls scaling the National three peaks not to mention the array of in-branch fundraising to include tuck shops and Christmas jumper days, all adding up to a brilliant £23,000.

When Chuf Director of operations Charlotte Campbell and Corporate and Trusts Fundraising Manager went along to Dove’s head office in Newcastle’s Newburn for a cheque presentation they realised that 2022’s fundraising exploits tipped the company’s overall fundraising for the charity to over £200,000.

2022 was a tricky year, whilst many restrictions of the pandemic were left behind and a return to in person events heralded some normality, factors like the cost of living crisis have certainly affected all in the charity sector. This is made JT Dove’s brilliant year of fundraising especially poignant.

Charlotte explains: “We have such a special and valued relationship with Dove that’s not actually all about the funds they raise. Whilst of course this is wonderful, it’s the team’s commitment and gusto that’s so heartening to see. This company’s loyal support has had, and continues to have a transformational impact upon the Heart Hero community and we can’t wait to see what they get up to next!”

Alicia Adds: ” This year I’ve met and heard about heart parents within Dove, which makes the cause very important to them and you can see team members really giving their all because they know the real difference that Chuf has made to their colleagues and people they know first hand who’ve been treated at the Children’s Heart Unit. There’s a personal connection that hinges on a high regard for ensuring that we continue to have the very best resources and service here in the North East.

I know from some great conversations with the team at head office that Dove has a really exciting calendar of events planned for 2023 for Chuf’s 40th year. Keep your eyes peeled… there’s going to be some incredible photos!”

Chuf would like to take the time to extend thanks to the wonderful clients and suppliers who supported Dove’s fundraising events this year. Every prize donated to raffles, every donation given and every person showing up to support their events has helped raise a fantastic amount of money. We are so grateful for your involvement!

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