Timpson raise £2 million for ChildLine

High street shoe repairer and key cutter Timpson is celebrating raising £2 million for ChildLine over the past decade, thanks to its staff and customers.

The funds were raised through Timpson's 'small job - big difference' initiative, which launched in 2000. It involved staff across 650 UK shops carrying out small jobs, such as gluing a sole or punching a belt hole, in exchange for a £1 donation to ChildLine. 

To mark the milestone Timpson is holding a special week of ChildLine fundraising (22 - 28 March), encouraging more customers to make a donation in exchange for Timpson undertaking small jobs.

In addition Timpson will donate £1 to ChildLine, a service provided by the NSPCC, for every £10 a customer spends during the week.

John Timpson, Chairman of Timpson's Ltd, had a moment of inspiration after attending a dinner held by ChildLine in 2000. He said: "I feel very proud that a simple 'eureka' moment in the middle of the night 10 years ago has resulted in such a fantastic amount of money for ChildLine.

"At first I wondered whether customers would resent being asked to donate a pound for jobs that we used to offer for free. However, I need not have worried; most customers were happy to make a donation.

"I am delighted at the success of the scheme and to be supporting ChildLine. They provide a vital service for children who sometimes have no where else to turn. I really think the Timpson initiative goes to show how small jobs can accumulate to make a big difference for charity."

The small jobs only take a minute to complete and have seen Timpson's staff punch one million holes, and use five tonnes of glue, to reach the £2 million milestone.

ChildLine founder and President Esther Rantzen said: "Timpson's £2 million achievement is quite amazing. It's positive proof of the dedication of their staff and the generosity of their customers. On behalf of the thousands of children who have used the ChildLine service I'd like to say a huge thank you.

"I hope the public will support Timpson's charity week and continue to donate through the small jobs - big difference initiative all year round. Timpson has shown just how a small gesture can help to provide a vital lifeline for abused, frightened children who have nowhere else to turn for help. I hope any other businesses out there who feel inspired by this simple idea can also do something to help children in distress or danger."

To find out more about Timpson's stores visit: www.timpson.co.uk/locate

Ends

Media office on 020 7825 2602 out of hours mobile 07976 206 625.

Regional Communications Offices:
North: 0113 229 9343. Out of hours: 07929 201096
South East: 01293 651841. Out of hours: 07966 527987
Midlands and West: 0116 274 7887. Out of hours: 07866 545257/ 07970 746272
Wales: 029 2026 7014. Out of hours: 07977 127064
Scotland: 0207 650 6767. Out of hours: 07760 2702021

Notes to editors:

About the NSPCC:
The NSPCC runs services across the UK and the Channel Islands, including therapeutic services for young people who have experienced abuse, domestic violence projects and services for supporting families. Helpline services include the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000 for adults with concerns about a young person and the ChildLine service on 08001111 for children and young people.

About Timpson
Timpson's was founded by William Timpson, aged 16, when he opened his first shop on Butler Street, Manchester in 1865.  Today Timpson's have 650 stores across the UK, providing shoe repairs, key cutting, watch repairs and engraving - the company is chaired by John Timpson whose son is the MD.