10 August 2011

Friends, family and customers of local business Frugi were treated to a very special rockpool ramble event at Prisk Cove on the Helford recently. The event was organised by Cornwall Wildlife Trust as a 'thank you' for the biggest annual donation ever received from the children's organic clothing company, which is based in Helston.

The Cornish company has been supporting the Trust's marine conservation work since 2005 through the international business-to-charity 1% for the Planet Scheme (1% FTP). Their donation is a share of 1% of their annual turnover, which this year amounted to an astounding £8232.15 for the Marine Conservation Programme known as 'Living Seas'.

The past year has seen Frugi grow from strength to strength after winning a string of prestigious awards, including Best International Business, Best Customer Focus and Most Creative Use of the Web at the Cornwall Business Awards in May.

Ruth Williams, Marine Conservation Manager for Cornwall Wildlife Trust says, "We are very happy to provide a special event for Frugi and their customers – the Helford is a magical place and a great day was had by all!  We found some amazing sea life: bodybuilder crabs, squat lobsters, sea urchins and Cornish suckerfish to name a few!  It is the least we could do as the donations given by Frugi are vital to help fund our Living Seas marine conservation programme."

Seventy people attended the day, which was organised alongside Helford Voluntary Marine Conservation Group. Children and adults alike were treated to sunshine and a chance to learn all about the wealth of wildlife we can find on our shores.

Ruth continues, "It is events like this that Frugi's donations help us to deliver. This year their donations have been put to good use helping to fund our Marine Strandings Network, training new volunteers to help us record marine life seen around our shores, as well as dive surveys and our involvement in recommending important sites that need to be protected as Marine Conservation Zones."

"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!"

"Frugi are proud to help Cornwall Wildlife Trust in their work. Their enthusiasm, knowledge and commitment to our environment is an inspiration. They rock – and they rock-pool too", reports Kurt Jewson, Frugi co-founder.

The Trust already runs a successful Business Supporters Scheme, and hopes to gain even more support from local businesses like Frugi through the growing 1% FTP network. 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 their commitment to sustainability.

Serena Pettigrew-Jolly, the Trust's Marketing and Fundraising Co-ordinator says, "We are so thankful for Frugi's support over the years and their most recent donation is record breaking! Their regular donations help to support our vital work as Cornwall's leading wildlife conservation charity. Our relationship with 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 Supporters 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."

To learn more about the marine work that Frugi helps to fund please see www.cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk/livingseas. To find out more how your business can support the Trust please call (01872) 273939 ext 205 or visit www.cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk/business. Visit www.onepercentfortheplanet.org/en/ for more information on 1% FTP.

You can discover more about Frugi on their website at www.welovefrugi.com and visit their Sale Shop in Helston. Keep up to date on their current news, offers and adventures on Facebook and sign up to their Twitter feed.