Russell Roof Tiles has announced it will include two new charities to its Give4Good initiative.

Buddiez and Miles for Smiles are the new beneficiaries of the company's fundraising efforts under the programme that was devised in 2022 as a way of supporting local causes with fun and challenging events championed by its staff, suppliers, customers and partners.

Both charities were nominated by staff due to the impact that they have on their communities, which are local to Russell Roof Tiles’ two sites in Burton and Lochmaben.

Miles for Smiles, which is based in Swadlincote, was founded by Callum Worker in 2015. The charity aims to relieve the needs of people with disabilities and life-limiting or life-changing health conditions by providing them with grants or memorable experiences. So far, they have helped over 520 families and organisations through individual support and group events across South Derbyshire, North-West Leicestershire, and East Staffordshire.

Worker commented: “We feel extremely fortunate to be receiving this support from Russell Roof Tiles. It will allow us to extend our services to new families who need them most, ensuring we can reach even more people during incredibly challenging times.”

Dumfries-based Buddiez aims to provide a safe and stimulating environment in which adults with learning disabilities can experience personal growth and fulfilment, through the provision of activities, training and support.

Jane Stitt, Project Manager at the charity, said: “Everyone at Buddiez is so very thankful for the kind nomination and any donations will be used to welcome more people into our services to ensure no one is left out.”

Russell Roof Tiles has pledged to raise £50,000 for its chosen charities this year, which also include Burton-based Staffordshire, Shropshire and Cheshire Blood-Bikes, Burton YMCA  and Lochmaben-based Veterans Garden Dumfries and Lockerbie Wildlife Trust, as well as international charity, The Footprints Family.

Since the launch of the initiative, the firm has raised over £275,000 for good causes. Previous fundraising activities included skydiving, firewalking, paddleboarding, comedy and race nights, and the firm’s ‘Race Across Europe’ challenge, which saw teams of two travel to five different countries across Europe in 80 hours without flying.

Andrew Hayward, Managing Director of Russell Roof Tiles, commented: “Community is at the heart of everything we do, which is why we’re proud to bring our Give4Good initiative back for the fifth time.

“Our firm is known for its inventive ways to fundraise, and we’re excited to share the plans we have in place to reach our ambitious target and support some incredible charities that work tirelessly to make a positive impact in our communities.”