Catalogue retail chain Argos has raised millions of pounds over the past two years for its charity partner Macmillan Cancer Support, thanks to a host of fundraising activities involving staff and customers. 

Macmillan won the vote to become the retailer’s charity partner in 2015. Since then, Argos said its colleagues and customers have thrown themselves head first into fundraising and volunteering, raising an impressive £2 million in two years.

Colleagues have dressed up and donated for Valentine’s Day, Easter, Halloween and Christmas, while many team members have even shaved shave their heads for charity or taken on gruelling challenges like Tough Mudder, marathons and cycling events. 

More than 400 Argos colleagues, including chief executive  officer John Rogers and members of the senior Argos team, are limbering up to take on the 26-mile long ‘Mighty Hike’ challenges happening in scenic spots across the UK this summer.

In addition to ongoing activity, team Argos raised more than £70,000 during its last ‘national collection’ in January 2017, which saw staff unite to raise funds in store for Macmillan on the day of the new season’s range launch. They also raised over £50,000 during the World’s Biggest Coffee Morning in September last year. 

The £2 million raised will fund vital Macmillan nursing care at a local level, and equates to paying for 38 Macmillan nurses across the country to help those living with cancer for one year, said the charity. Macmillan nurses provide emotional, financial, medical and practical support which is a life line for many people living with cancer and their families. 

Sainsbury’s Argos CEO John Rogers said: “We’re so proud of the way that our colleagues and customers have come together over the past two years to raise such significant funds for Macmillan. It is a fantastic cause, close to the hearts of many of us at Argos, and raising £2million simply wouldn’t have been possible without the unstoppable enthusiasm that we have seen along the way. 

“But it doesn’t stop here – we look forward to building on these efforts even further this year and are honoured to be able to make such a difference to people living with cancer across the UK.” 

Macmillan Cancer Support head of corporate partnerships Natasha Parker said: “We would like to say a heartfelt thank you to Argos colleagues and customers for their continued support and dedication. This incredible amount will make a real difference for many people living with cancer and their families who will benefit from the essential support Macmillan nurses provide. In so many cases, Macmillan nurses ensure that ‘life with cancer’, can still be a life. We really can’t thank you enough.”