Product category:
Vouchers
News Release from: Kingfisher Gift Vouchers | Subject: Kingfisher Gift Vouchers
Edited by the Marketingservicestalk Editorial
Team on 25 October 2007
Young kidney patients enjoy wonder of
Woolies
Every year Kingfisher Gift Vouchers delivers 1,000 free Christmas cards together with GBP10 vouchers, to the British Kidney Patient Association for their young patients.
The British Kidney Patient Association (BKPA) was founded in 1975 by Elizabeth Ward, whose son Timbo was diagnosed with kidney failure at the age of 13 years Since that time the charity has gone on to raise an astounding GBP70 million to help the plight of Britain's kidney patients, many of whom are struggling to survive bitter blows to their health, pride and finances
This article was originally published on Marketingservicestalk on 17 Aug 2007 at 8.00am (UK)
Related stories
Parsons Parts drives business with Kingfisher
Commercial vehicle parts supplier Parsons Parts differentiates itself very successfully via an enterprising incentive scheme involving Kingfisher Gift Vouchers.
Kingfisher helps Norwich Union to boost sales
Motivation expert PandMM devised and launched a points-based reward programme for Norwich Union call centre staff that made use of Kingfisher Gift Vouchers.
Nowhere is the assistance and support provided by the BKPA more deserved, than among young sufferers under the age of 16.
It takes a very special kind of courage to face some four hours' treatment on a kidney machine, three times a week, week after week, month after month, knowing that without that treatment death would shortly follow.
With this in mind the BKPA decided many years ago that young kidney patients between the ages of four and 16 years old, should be the beneficiaries of an extra gift at Christmas - one chosen especially with them in mind, and designed to lift spirits at this time of year.
As Elizabeth Ward explained: "We have a team of renal social workers around the country, who work amongst the community to identify and help those most in need.
"Many of those children receiving our help come from families who are experiencing real hardship and to whom a relatively small gift can make a very big difference.
"Therefore we ask our renal social workers to nominate 1,000 young patients every year who they feel would benefit most from a gift at Christmas".
Ward added: "Bearing in mind the age of the recipients, and the fact that they come from all over the country, we decided that the gift should be accessible to all, and hold extra special appeal for children; after much deliberation we choose to give a GBP10 Kingfisher Gift Voucher to each child.
"Although Kingfisher Gift Vouchers can be spent in BandQ and Comet as well, we strongly believed that the majority would be spent at Woolworths - Woolies is a great brand for children and offers such excellent value.
"What could be more fun than dashing into Woolworths knowing that you have a GBP10 gift voucher to spend on absolutely anything in-store.
"There are toys, clothes, stationery, music, games, collectibles; in fact everything a youngster could possibly desire".
Every year Kingfisher Gift Vouchers delivers 1,000 free Christmas cards (each carrying a design of BKPA's choice) together with the vouchers, to the charity's headquarters in Bordon, Hampshire.
Over a period of several weeks Ward personally signs every one, and then they are despatched by post to the children: "Every year I am always surprised and delighted to receive letters of thanks from the children, all of whom are absolutely delighted with their gift, especially when they are from little boys, who I know from experience aren't the most forthcoming when it comes to writing letters".
Using Kingfisher Gift Vouchers' free voucher tracking analysis, the BKPA knows that nearly 90 per cent of the vouchers are spent in Woolworths, which is confirmation of the early assumption.
In conclusion Ward noted: "We did try an alternative voucher one year, but it became immediately obvious that its appeal simply didn't meet that of the Kingfisher Gift Voucher - needless to say we don't plan on changing again anytime soon".
• Kingfisher Gift Vouchers: contact details and other news
• Email this article to a colleague
• Register for the free Marketingservicestalk email newsletter
• Marketingservicestalk Home Page
Search the Pro-Talk network of sites
