IRN-BRU makers AG Barr have raised £75,000 for Marie Curie, taking on a variety of fundraising challenges to mark the charity reaching its 75thanniversary this month.
The latest fundraiser saw staff take part in an ice bath challenge across its seven UK sites, a challenge that was part of a bigger theme from the company called `Do Something Different’ after its Rubicon brand’s summer campaign.
AG Barr has been supporting Marie Curie since last year, as part of a three year corporate charity partnership. The soft drinks manufacturer has pledged a minimum of £150,000 to the charity, with Barr Soft Drinks employees also committing to additional fundraising activities, spearheaded by ‘Charity Champions’ from across the business, to supplement the donation with hands-on support.
AG Barr communications manager, Mags Cochrane, said: “We have a fantastic bunch of employees who don’t take themselves too seriously and really throw themselves into charity challenges. So getting them to dip into a freezing bath on a cold, wet summer’s day wasn’t as tough as you’d imagine!
“Marie Curie does amazing work, and our first year with the charity has been a great experience – we’re excited to see what we can do in the next year.”
Marie Curie is the country’s largest end-of-life charity, providing care and support to terminally ill people and their loved ones in their own homes, or at one of its nine UK hospices.
Marie Curie Partnerships Manager, Georgina Bushell, said: “For AG Barr to have raised half of its committed fundraising for Marie Curie in one year is unbelievable. To have raised £75,000 as Marie Curie celebrates its 75th anniversary is wonderful. Thank you so much to AG Barr employees – they’re phenomenal.”
