B&Q has supported Shelter Cymru since 2017. The partnership is based on a shared belief that everyone should have a home they feel good about.
Since its launch, colleagues and customers in Wales have raised over £100,000 to support our fight for home. Activities include in-store fundraising, donations and taking part in events to support our work including Cardiff Half Marathon and London Marathon.
London Marathon
B&Q colleagues have a long-standing tradition of running as part of #TeamShelterCymru, taking part in events all over the UK and raising tens of thousands of pounds to support us.
B&Q Store manager, Mark Dibb has taken on the epic challenge of running London Marathon for the 3rd year in aid of Shelter Cymru, raising over £6,000 to support our work in Wales. Mark has been a key part of #TeamShelterCymru, using his time and passion for running to highlight our work to support those impacted by the housing emergency. London Marathon is a big deal for us, as charity spaces at this event are so sought after, so we’re super lucky to have an incredibly dedicated fundraiser like Mark on board.“As part of B&Qs commitment to help build a better world, we’re proud to work with Shelter Cymru. We share their belief that everyone should have a safe and happy home. Along with our customers and colleagues we support Shelter Cymru through product sales, donations, and fundraising events. Our colleagues love getting behind the fundraising and this year I was proud to be running the London Marathon again in my Shelter Cymru vest.”
Mark Dibb, Store Manager, B&Q Bangor.
Next stop is Marathon Eryri, All the best Mark!
Fundraising Weekends
B&Q stores across Wales have raised much needed funds for Shelter Cymru with their ‘Raise the Roof’ fundraising weekends since 2022. Activity has included party games, raffles, bake sales in stores and most recently a 24hr danceathon lead by staff. ‘Raise the Roof’ won ‘Challenge Event of the Year’ at the Business charity Awards in 2023 and these amazing in-store fundraising weekends continue to be at the heart of our long-standing partnership
The DIY and home improvement company also sells Christmas cards and other products to support our work.
Transforming houses into homes – Good Homes Project
B&Q have used their expertise to provide practical support to those in need through the Good Homes project which transforms social and rented housing into homes for families that have recently experienced homelessness or bad housing.
During our most recent project, B&Q staff visited the home of a client who came to us unable to pay her rent and struggling financially after benefits were stopped. Having accessed Shelter Cymru’s support services, case workers were aware that she needed some extra support to get her back on her feet. Her garden had become overgrown and unmanageable, with access to the space limited. B&Q staff from North Wales used their skills to overhaul the outside area, clearing, painting, and transforming our clients garden into a functional space that could be used and enjoyed again, even adding a new shed for storage.
This exceptional partnership has enabled Shelter Cymru to provide essential support to people facing homelessness across Wales. Thank you, B&Q!
