Grab a serious bargain on October 18th

BT Shop for Change in aid of the Irish Cancer Society returns

Broadcaster and stylist Irene O’ Brien today officially launched the seventh annual BT Shop for Change challenge in aid of the Irish Cancer Society. On Thursday 18th October, BT Ireland employees around the country will once again assemble for the biggest charity shop takeover in the country in a bid to raise vital funds for cancer research and free support services in Ireland.

This year, 11 teams comprising over 120 volunteers from communications company BT will be channelling all of their resources and skills to stock 11 Irish Cancer Society charity shops with high value items, to attract as many customers as possible through the doors on the day. Amongst the items up for grabs on the day are top designer clothing, signed GAA jerseys, concert tickets, musical instruments and much more.  The Irish Cancer Society shops involved in the event this year are Bray, Drogheda, Limerick, Camden St., Capel St., Dun Laoghaire, Kimmage, Phibsboro, Rathmines, Swords and Tallaght.

Stylist and broadcaster Irene O’ Brien is renowned for her love of vintage and is a huge fan of browsing the rails in local charity shops. She said, “I am delighted to support BT and the Irish Cancer Society for this fun and hugely worthwhile event. Charity shops are like a treasure chest and every time I visit one I pick up a really great bargain, from designer dresses to timeless vintage pieces. I’d really encourage everybody to pop in on the day and even if you can’t, you could still support by donating your pre-loved items - your donation will go a long way towards helping the team at BT to raise as much money as possible for the Irish Cancer Society.”

Shay Walsh, managing director, BT Ireland said, “The BT Shop for Change challenge is one of our biggest volunteer-led fundraising events and each year it grows even more successful. We all know someone in our lives affected by cancer and the work that the Irish Cancer Society does in helping these people and their families is invaluable. Over the past six years, we’ve raised more than €425,000 for the charity and this year, we’re aiming to raise in the region of €150,000. It’s going to be a lot of fun, so if you’re near any of the participating shops, be sure and pop in, you won’t be disappointed."

Oonagh O’Mahony, Retail Area Manager, Irish Cancer Society said "We are delighted to welcome BT staff into our stores once again for the BT Shop for Change event. Each year they bring with them some fantastic bargains, and also great determination to raise vital funds to support people affected by cancer. This year 40,000 people in Ireland will get a cancer diagnosis and the money raised through the event will provide crucial support services and fund lifesaving research."

The Irish Cancer Society relies on donations to fund 98% of its work. Just €40 can help provide vital clinical equipment for a Night Nurse to care for a patient in their own home towards the end of their cancer journey, while €60 will fund the cost of a counselling session to help a person cope with a cancer diagnosis in their life. It costs €306 to cover the cost of one night of vital Night Nursing, enabling a patient at end of life to be cared for in their own home.

For further information about BT Shop for Change https://www.btireland.com/company/communications/newsroom. To learn more about the vital work of the Irish Cancer Society visit www.cancer.ie. Follow all the BT Shop for Change activity on Twitter @btinireland  #BTShopforChange.