Reflecting on the summer that was…
With the start of autumn, the In Kind Direct team reflect on a summer like no other.
28 September 2020
As we begin the seventh month of UK social restrictions, we wanted to take a moment to celebrate moments of collaboration and kindness that have kept so many charities and businesses going during these challenging times. To meet the needs of our growing network of charities, community groups, foodbanks and schools we’ve been busy recruiting new staff and developing relationships built to last with our generous corporate partners and peers in the charity sector.
Together, we’ve saved our charity partners £11.7m and dispatched over 16,000 orders to them between March and August, 60% more than the same time last year. They have been relentless in their care of their communities. In our July survey, over half told us people have struggled to access essential products locally. So, since March, almost two-thirds have been distributing essential care packs of toiletries, household supplies, nappies and period products. Working together, we support twice as many people on average each week with vital supplies.
In the coming months, the impact of sustained lockdown measures will be felt by us all in different ways. As we reflect on how we will be implementing all we’ve learned, some of the team shared their summer highlights:
As a new member of the business development team I have been amazed at the generosity of donors, even in the short time that I’ve been here. Working on the mid-year impact updates in my first month at IKD was brilliant as I read through so much positive feedback from our charity network, demonstrating how vital these product donations are for so many organisations!
Eva, Business Development Intern
Seeing the incredible work of our charity partners going the extra mile during such difficult circumstances to ensure those in need are being supported. Helping to enable charities to continue their vital work reminds me why I love working at In Kind Direct.
Emily, Social Media and Design Coordinator
A real highlight has been working together with other organisations creatively and in new partnerships to better meet the growing needs of our most vulnerable communities across the UK. Launching the Product Giving Alliance and joining BITC’s National Emergency Response Network… Together we are stronger!
Rosanne, CEO
Seeing the incredible partnership with PZ Cussons develop, with their Carex handwash donations and their current Buy One, Donate One campaign to help us keep meeting the growing need for such an essential product. Securing free extra storage for this and other generous donations really is the icing on the cake!
David, Logistics Manager
We’ll be sharing our full Impact Report in early October. It demonstrates just how important keeping people safe, well and connected continues to be. Look out for the link. In the meantime, why not watch our Speaker Series event recordings, bringing companies and charities together to talk about the value of product giving.
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