Screwfix staff take £36k in pledges for Children in Need

YEOVIl-BASED do-it-yourself mail-order firm Screwfix pulled out all the stops on Friday to help the BBCs ever-popular Children in Need appeal reach a record amount of money.

The award-winning call centre on Houndstone donated its services for the seventh year running, to take pounds and pledges for the popular charity from people across the UK, as well as those in the South West.

Screwfix employees from all areas of the business (pictured left in a range of fancy dress costumes) generously volunteered to man the phones for five hours, handling over 1,000 calls and helping to secure a fantastic £36,000 for the famous appeal.

They were joined by family and friends and Yeovil Town FC coach, Darren Way, who took part in a ‘keepy uppy’ competition with staff. A DJ and a raffle kept staff entertained throughout the evening, and they were well fuelled with donations of pizzas, cakes and tea and coffee, from local businesses.

Screwfix's managing director, John Mewett, said:  ''The whole team at Screwfix is proud to be able to offer their support for Children in Need once again. We are not only thrilled to have helped to raise such a fantastic amount of money, but we all had a great time in the process.

“It was fantastic to see local businesses pulling together for a good cause. We would like to thank all those who donated food and raffle prizes, and our special guest, Darren Way (pictured below with Screwfix team member Samantha Trott). 

''An extra thank-you goes to everyone who contacted us to make a pledge during the evening, and of course, to everyone in the Screwfix team who gave up their time to help out.”

In addition to donating their time, Screwfix employees also added to the total by taking part in a day of fun fundraising activities.

These included pin the patch on Pudsey, Scalectrix time trials and table football. There was also a fun photo corner where staff could dress up and have their picture taken, and other competitions took place where prizes were on offer such as tickets to the Eden Project, a Yeovil Town FC shirt and scarf and champagne.

The much appreciated support and donations came from Dominoes, Tamburinos, Jungle Jungle, Be Floral, Waterstones, Cappozzoli, Mortimers, Entertainers, Pizza Hut, 1^st Bowl, Party Goldmine, Card Factory, ASK, Thomas Franks, Hollies and Yeovil Town FC.

The overall total raised nationally on Friday night topped a whopping £27m.

People in the region wanting to make a last minute pledge should visit www.bbc.co.uk/pudsey/donate  .

A photo gallery of staff at Screwfix enjoying the Children in Need festivities can be found on this link  http://www.yeovilpress.co.uk/blog/2012/11/16/children-in-need-2012-screwfix-staff-take-your-calls/ .

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