In July, Big Wipes and IBC Buying Group handed over a £2000 cheque to the Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice.
IBC Charity Euro 2020 Championship
Throughout June, 24 suppliers took part in a highly entertaining Euro 2020 Charity Football Championship. This fantastic tournament was hosted by IBC, the leading buying group for developing independent UK builders’ merchants. As luck would have it, Big Wipes ultimately won this event after drawing Italy as our team.
With each UEFA game, the respective teams came together for a friendly competition and some banter on social media. Furthermore, post-match interviews and videos added an extra layer of enjoyment. Each of the 24 suppliers who took part nominated a local charity at the start of the championship. The competition culminated with the winning team’s charity receiving a donation from IBC Buying Group. For Maidenhead-based Big Wipes, The Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice was an easy and incredibly worthy choice as our local charity.
The Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice facilities
During the cheque presentation on 26th July, IBC Managing Directors Dave Robertson and Paul Read, along with Big Wipes, were given a tour of the Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice’s outdoor facilities. These include an amazing outdoor play area and enchanted sensory garden where children can play and make wonderful memories. A bereavement garden is currently being created to help bring comfort to the children’s families, which should be finished in the autumn.
The facility offers care and support services in Berkshire for children with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions and their families. The hospice supports 135 families each year, both at the bespoke centre in Maidenhead and by sending their trained nurses out into the community. They offer respite care, specialist play, art and music therapies, family support and end-of-life care, as well as vital bereavement support. However, this work costs a staggering £1.8 million a year to run. As a result, the hospice relies on donations from individuals, businesses, schools, community groups and volunteers.
Alexander Devine, the inspiration behind the children’s hospice
The hospice was created to honour Alexander Devine, a very bright and funny boy. But at just 4 years of age, he was diagnosed with a brain tumour. He endured years of operations, treatments and therapy and sadly died at the age of 8. He loved life and his family very much and had wisdom far beyond his years. Alexander’s parents, Fiona and John Devine, established the hospice to provide a safe place for other children and families going through similar battles.
IBC Managing Director Dave Robertson said: “We wanted the IBC Charity Championship to be fun for everyone involved. However, we also wanted to champion those local charities who do amazing work in the community. You can’t visit the Alexander Devine Hospice and not be touched by their dedication and tireless support for the children and their families. We are therefore delighted to be able to help the charity continue their vital work.”
Heartfelt thank you to everyone involved
IBC Managing Director Paul Read added: “We also want to say a big thank you to all the Suppliers who took part in the championships. Above all, special thanks go to Big Wipes, Digby Stone, British Gypsum and Tarmac Building Products Ltd for raising our original prize fund. Your generosity is going to make a huge difference.”
Big Wipes Business Development Manager Luke Bailey concluded: “We were delighted to take part in the IBC Charity Championship. Even though it meant that England didn’t win the final, we’re thrilled that our Italian team triumphed. It has allowed us to donate to such a worthy charity based just a mile from our own headquarters. The Alexander Devine Hospice carries out amazing work in our community and provides much-needed specialist care and support to children and their families.”