Tesco colleagues across the West Midlands are preparing to roll back the clock for a totally awesome 80s themed fundraiser to kick-start the third and final year of the National Charity Partnership. During the weekend of 3-5th March 2017, the nationwide ‘Final Countdown’ weekend will see 300,000 Tesco colleagues raise money to help improve the health of the nation. Tesco colleagues will be bringing back the fashion and energy that made the decade so great to stores with activities including getting physical with aerobic exercise and nostalgic 80s toys, music and movies. Pulling on the neon shorts, sweatbands and spandex, colleagues will be getting involved in Scalextric tournament, 80s hair days and karaoke. Since the launch of the National Charity Partnership in January 2015, Tesco colleagues have generated an estimated £10.5 million through store fundraising alone.
The partnership between Tesco, Diabetes UK and the BHF aims to tackle two of the UK’s biggest health issues – Type 2 diabetes and heart and circulatory disease. Type 2 diabetes can double a person’s risk of developing heart and circulatory disease and both conditions can lead to other health problems, but are largely preventable. Around 4.2 million people in the UK are currently living with Type 2 diabetes and an estimated 7 million people live with heart and circulatory disease, with many more at risk.
Michael Clarke, Regional Fundraising Manager at National Charity Partnership explains; “The Final Countdown weekend marks the final 303 days to reach the £30 million target and it’s a great way for Tesco colleagues to get nostalgic whilst also raising crucial funds for the National Charity Partnership. Together, Diabetes UK, the BHF and Tesco are able to address and make a real impact in improving the health of the nation, which is vitally important to all three partners.
I hope the customers and colleagues of get involved and support the Tesco team with their fundraising this weekend, as they test their physical and mental skills! It should be a really fun atmosphere in the store with lots going on for all ages.”
Half of the money raised by Tesco colleagues is being split between the two charities in the Partnership to fund their vital and ongoing work. The remainder will fund joint projects by all three partners, which aims to help people reduce their risk of Type 2 diabetes and heart and circulatory disease by eating better and getting more active.
