Local company donates over £4,400 to Wildlife Trust

7 September 2009

Thanks to an international business-to-charity scheme, a Cornish children's organic clothing company have donated over £4,400 to Cornwall's only wildlife charity, Cornwall Wildlife Trust. Frugi, based in Gear Farm, St Martin near Helston, had a hugely successful year despite the economic down-turn and have donated a share of 1% of their annual turnover to the Trust's Marine Strandings Network, through the 1% for the Planet scheme (1% FTP). This global network encourages businesses to donate 1% of their annual turnover (profit or loss) to environmental charities and now includes over 1,200 business and nearly 1,800 charities.

Frugi signed up to 1% FTP because co-founders Lucy and Kurt Jewson were dedicated to ensuring that their fledgling company would be run to triple bottom line principals, taking into account the economic, environmental and social impacts of all they did. They began supporting the Trust's Marine Strandings Network, which records the details of stranded marine animals, such as dolphins, whales, seals and sharks, in November 2006. The vital data is collected by the Network's 100 volunteers, which is then analysed to find out why marine animals get stranded. Over 100 strandings have been recorded already this year.

Lucy said "As marine biologists we had a particular interest in the Trust's Marine Strandings Network and were amazed to find out the cutting edge research it carries out. Finding out why these wonderful marine creatures are washing up on Cornish shores is crucial if we are to know how to prevent it happening in the first place. We wanted to help the Trust raise as much money as possible to continue their research and we would certainly encourage other businesses to join 1% for the Planet and do the same. It not only feels great knowing you're giving something back, it makes business sense too. Our customers are so supportive of our ethical values, which is why they come back and buy from us again and again."

By joining 1% FTP, businesses can help drive positive environmental change, while gaining recognition for their responsibility. Membership of 1% FTP shows sincere commitment to sustainability. A growing base of consumers recognise this commitment in the products they buy and the brands they support.

Jasmin Appleby, Marketing and Fundraising Manager for Cornwall Wildlife Trust said "Frugi's commitment to our Marine Strandings Network has been amazing. As they've grown as a business so has their support for us, and their regular donations help us plan our work for the future. We are constantly striving to find sources of income to fund the essential wildlife conservation work we do both on the land and in the sea. As a charity that's not always easy. Our work benefits not only the wildlife of Cornwall but the people who live here and the tourists who visit, and I am so proud of the Cornish businesses who recognise this and choose to financially support us. Frugi are a shining light, leading the way to a brighter future for wildlife conservation. I ask anyone running a business that feels they too could commit to a sustainable future for Cornwall to get in touch with us here at the Trust. We'll help you find a way to make a difference you can be really proud of." To contact the Trust call (01872) 273939 or visit www.cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk/business_support.

The Marine Strandings Network runs a 24 hour, year-round hotline for reporting dead marine animals in Cornwall, so if you find one please call us on 0845 201 2626 immediately so that the animal can be analysed and recorded.

Everything you need to know about Frugi can be found on their website, www.welovefrugi.com, where you can join their Facebook page and sign up their Twitter feed.

Contacts: Jasmin Appleby, Marketing and Fundraising Manager, Cornwall Wildlife Trust, (01872) 273939 ext 251, mob 07500 080384. Kurt and Lucy Jewson, founders of Frugi, (01326) 221930.

Photograph: Lucy and Kurt Jewson, Frugi co-founders, are proud to donate over £4400 to Cornwall Wildlife Trust's Marine Strandings Network. From left: Kurt Jewson (Frugi co-founder), Ruth Williams (Marine Conservation Officer for Cornwall Wildlife Trust), Lucy Jewson (Frugi co-founder) and Jan Loveridge (Volunteer Marine Strandings Network Co-ordinator)