Record breaking business donation

4 August 2010

Cornwall Wildlife Trust has received a record-breaking donation from Frugi, a children's organic clothing company based in Helston. The Cornish company, formally known as Cut4Cloth, has this year alone donated £6,135.66 to the Trust's Marine Conservation Programme, after having had a very successful year despite the recession. With a nomination for the 'Best Online Retailer' at this year's Observer Ethical Awards, as well as recently moving to larger premises to cope with the demand for their gorgeous clothes for children, babies and nursing mothers, it has been a fantastic year for Frugi. Their donations are a share of 1% of their annual turnover, which comes through the international business-to-charity 1% for the Planet Scheme (1% FTP). Their incredible success reflects in this year's donation - their largest yet.

1% FTP is a growing global movement that encourages businesses to donate 1% of their annual turnover (profit or loss) to environmental charities, which longstanding partners Frugi signed up to in 2005. Co-founders Lucy and Kurt Jewson decided to join 1% FTP, which now includes nearly 1,400 businesses and over 2,100 charities, as they were dedicated to taking responsibility for the economic, environmental and social impacts of their business. Being former marine biologists, their passion for Cornwall's very special maritime ecosystem encouraged them to lend their support specifically to the Trust's marine work. Kurt says, "The Marine Conservation Programme may not appear to be sexy, cool or very rock and roll. However the team are brilliant, dedicated, inspirational and essential. We are proud to be supporting their work."

Ruth Williams, Senior Marine Conservation Officer for Cornwall Wildlife Trust says "The donations given by Frugi are vital to help fund the Trust's Marine Conservation Programme. Since our partnership began, the money has been used specifically to train volunteers and make the Cornwall Marine Strandings Network one of the best in the country, but has recently been used to part fund our pinger trial to help develop ways to protect dolphins and porpoises in Cornish waters from accidental bycatch in fishing nets. Frugi's ongoing support, both financially and as a company, is such a great example of co-operative working, and their donations through 1% FTP are the ultimate way to 'give something back' and genuinely do their bit to help our special bit of the planet!"

The Trust hopes to gain even more support this way from local businesses as the 1% FTP network grows. The benefits of the innovative scheme are mutual, and by joining the scheme businesses can demonstrate their drive for positive environmental change, which customers will recognise and appreciate for their commitment to sustainability.

Serena Pettigrew-Jolly, Marketing and Fundraising Co-ordinator for Cornwall Wildlife Trust says, "Frugi's support for the Trust over the years has been fantastic, with this year's donation reaching an all time high. We cannot thank them enough for their regular donations which support our vital work, protecting the environment both on the land and in our seas, as Cornwall's only wildlife conservation charity. Frugi is an excellent example of how a local business that is passionate about making a difference can help, not only for wildlife but also for the people who live here and the tourists who visit. Through 1% FTP, or through our Business Supporter's scheme which can be tailored to your specific business, you too can contribute to a more sustainable future for Cornwall. Please do get in touch to find out more about how we can work together."

For more information please call (01872) 273939 ext 205 or visit www.cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk/business, and to learn more about the marine work that Frugi helps to fund please see Living Seas. All 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.