Russell Roof Tiles (RRT) raised £7,500 during its first ever firewalk event, as part of its charity initiative, Give 4 Good.

After years of waiting, due to Covid-19 restrictions, and months of planning and organising, the event finally took place last weekend, and was very well received by the team at Russell Roof Tiles and the local community in Burton.

This was the first charity firewalk event held at the company's Nicolson Way site, aiming to help raise money for local chosen community charities.

The evening, which offered international street food, a children's tractor and bouncy castle, and music, a disco, and a raffle, was attended by over 150 people from the local community.

Over 25 members of the Russell Roof Tiles team volunteered to take part in the fire walk and brave the hot coals in aid of raising at least £100 per person, to a total of £7,500.

Andy Iliff, Assistant Works Manager, who led on the fundraising event, commented: "The event went incredibly well, it was great to see so many people come along on the night and support us all.

"The atmosphere was fantastic. Myself and 29 other walkers braved the hot coals! We are so proud of our team and the efforts that everyone exceeded in fundraising as much as possible for our chosen charities."

To mark the 10 years of Russell Roof Tiles' independence, the company launched ‘Give 4 Good', which will donate money to good causes in the local area. As part of the initiative a series of events are scheduled for 2022 to reach a fundraising target of £50,000, including a Big Quiz, Golf Day, Bake-Off, Paddle Challenge and Football Match.

Recipients of the moneys raised include local causes such as Hillfield Animal Home, YMCA, Burton & District Mind – all of which have been nominated by the staff. 

As part of the Give 4 Good programme the company has two match funding opportunities for team members who want to organise or take part in events, to raise money for own charity or good causes. If they are able to raise £1,000 for their own event RRT will donate £1,000 in turn.

Andrew Hayward, Managing Director at Russell Roof Tiles, said: "I am very proud to have a team that work so hard, and then some, taking time out of their weekends to fundraise for some incredible charities that are close to all of our hearts. The event was great and we're well on the way to hitting our £50,000 target. The whole team here at Russell Roof Tiles should be so proud of their continuous efforts."

Since 2015, Russell Roof Tiles has supported 33 different charities and causes local to its Burton and Lochmaben (Scotland) sites. It has hosted 39 fundraising events, that have seen staff dance, hike, run, cook, and even slim their way to raise cash. Over the years its Annual Big Quiz alone has raised over £22,550 and its charity golf tournaments over £28,000.