The surprising way a family-run DIY store in Birmingham raised £25,000 for a children’s charity

A family-run DIY store in Birmingham has raised thousands of pounds for a much loved children’s charity using a surprisingly simple method.

E J McGann Hardware and DIY, in Great Barr, has been encouraging customers to round up their purchases to the nearest pound and donate the difference to local children and families - and they’ve proven that pennies really can add up after one collection tin raised a remarkable £25,000 for Acorns Children’s Hospice. The money will support Acorns work caring for children with life limiting and life threatening conditions.

Shop owner Stuart McGann told how the store has been raising money for local charities for over 18 years saying: “To raise such an amount makes us feel fantastic. We sometimes spend our lives moaning about all the little problems we have, but that pales into insignificance to some things parents go through.

“The fundraising goes back to when my mum and dad played golf, and supported the charity when they were both captains. My dad said if you’ve got a collection box, I will put it in the shop. It’s been here ever since.”

Stuart’s dad Ted and mum Ann have since retired but raising money for Acorns has become a family tradition. The shop also sells golf balls and collects scrap metal to help raise further charity funds, with the overall total now standing at an impressive £25,804.

Even the family’s dog Rambo, a 15-year-old Jack Russell and Pug cross, who is the shop’s mascot, helps spread the word on social media with his ‘toothy grin’. Stuart added: “We have been in business for 40 years and fundraising for Acorns is something that has been passed down through the years. It’s nice to support a local charity and to give something back to such a worthwhile cause.”

Local shops and businesses are being urged to join the McGann store and get their own collection tins and help Acorns continue to be there for children and families who need the charity’s lifeline care.

Claire Snape, Area Fundraising Manager for Acorns Children’s Hospice said: “It really goes to show that pennies do turn into pounds – over £25,000 of them! This is such a wonderful example of the local community coming together and doing their bit to support Acorns. A huge thank you to Stuart, Ted, Ann and Rambo and their amazing customers.

“This support means so much to us and proves that every donation, large or small, really makes a difference to children and families who rely on our care and support. So, if you’ve got space for a collection tin, please get in touch – help us be stronger together.”

How Acorns Children’s Hospice is helping children with life limiting and life threatening conditions

Acorns Children’s Hospice provides specialist palliative care for children and young people with life limiting and life threatening conditions and support for their families. In the past year, the charity has cared for more than 700 children and almost 1,000 families, including those who are bereaved.

Acorns needs £27,000 each day to provide its children’s hospice care, with 66% of these funds coming from the local community. Find out how you can help Acorns be stronger together by visiting: Acorns Children’s Hospice Stronger Together