B&Q customers have raised over £1 million for charity in just five months through Pennies, the UK’s leading charity for micro-donations.

The home improvement retailer also announced it had expanded the charity partnership to its stores in the Republic of Ireland.

Launched in all B&Q and TradePoint stores in June this year, the Pennies initiative allows customers paying by card or digitally to make small contributions at checkouts to B&Q charity partners.

Every micro-donation supports both the B&Q Foundation and Shelter, as well as Shelter Scotland, Shelter Cymru, and Housing Rights in Northern Ireland.

“Reaching the £1 million milestone is a huge achievement that speaks to the generosity of our customers and the commitment of our store teams. Pennies has helped us make giving back easier and more meaningful, supporting our ongoing mission to improve homes and communities across the UK and beyond.”

Paddy Earnshaw, Retail, Property & Technology Director, B&Q.

The micro-donations go towards supporting creating positive change in communities – helping people facing homelessness, improving community spaces and supporting local projects.

Alison Hutchinson CBE, CEO at Pennies said: “This is absolutely amazing and a testament to how B&Q and its customers have embraced the power of micro-donations. Every tap adds up to real change, supporting charities that help people feel safe and secure. It’s inspiring to see what can be achieved when generosity is built into everyday shopping.”

In recognition of the achievement, B&Q received the Breakthrough Partnership Award at Pennies’ recent Annual Celebration Awards.