The Business Design Centre’s donation to the Community Closet and City YMCA
A Good Thing is an online platform that allows businesses to give things away to their local charities. Less to landfill, more to a good cause! The case study below is an example of the wonderful impact that can be made through these matches.
The Business Design Centre (BDC) in Islington has long been known as one of London’s most vibrant venues, home to exhibitions, trade shows and creative events. But beyond the lights and displays, the BDC is also a certified B Corp with a clear commitment to sustainability and community.
The BDC has already built a strong reputation for purposeful giving. Earlier this year, its surplus items – from makeup brushes and travel mugs to colourful chairs – were matched with several charities, transforming everyday objects into tools of comfort and creativity. Read the stories here.
Recently, the BDC extended its impact once again, donating four sleek white stools and a cornhole game. At first glance, these might seem like modest items, but the stories of where they ended up show just how much difference even the simplest things can make.
Helping London youth find confidence and community
The cornhole game was collected by YMCA London City and North, an independent charity providing accommodation, support and opportunities to young people across the capital.
Formed from the merger of City YMCA London and YMCA North London, it continues a long legacy of offering shelter and community, supporting over 300 residents each year.
At the centre of this work is a focus on creating safe, vibrant communal spaces. Hema Patel, Health and Safety and Compliance Manager at YMCA London City and North, explained how the donation will be used:
“We’re planning to use the cornhole game as part of our regular youth sessions, both indoors and outdoors, to encourage friendly competition, teamwork, and social interaction among our young residents. Because it’s easy to learn and fun for all ages, it’s already proving to be a brilliant way to get young people involved, especially those who might not always feel confident joining in with more traditional sports.”
For Hema, the game is about much more than entertainment: “It’s a great icebreaker, it helps create a sense of belonging, and provides a positive focus during their time at the centre. Many of our young residents have never had the chance to experience games like this before, so it will be wonderful to see their reactions and engagement.”
Lightening the load for those on the frontlines
The stools found their way to The Community Closet, a volunteer-run community interest company based in Hackney. Founded in late 2020, the project began with a simple idea: to bring one hundred gifts to one hundred children during the pandemic. It has since grown into a vital local lifeline.
Today, The Community Closet supports people affected by the cost-of-living crisis, those with no recourse to public funds and anyone seeking to live more sustainably. It distributes free clothing and essentials, offers emergency assistance to those facing hardship and gives pre-loved items a second life, ensuring that everyone in the Hackney community has access to what they need, without barriers or judgment.
Krista Brown, who runs the project, shared: “Two stools are now in our community shop, where our volunteers use them while sorting donations and welcoming visitors at the counter. Before we had them, the team had to stand for long stretches, which was tiring and made the workspace less comfortable. Having the stools has given them a proper spot to perch, making the day-to-day much easier.”
But the impact stretched even further. The other two stools were gifted to one of the charity’s volunteers, who had recently moved into permanent housing after a long period of homelessness. With almost no furniture beyond the basics, receiving the stools was both practical and deeply meaningful, a step towards turning a bare space into a home. As Krista reflected:
“It’s a brilliant example of how something simple can have a double impact: supporting our volunteers in their work, while also helping someone rebuild their life with dignity.”
Committed to supporting the local community
For the BDC, making donations like this is part of a bigger picture. Kirsty, Conference executive at BDC, who helped coordinate the match, explained:
“We host multiple conferences and exhibitions at the BDC, and often have great items leftover from these events. Instead of throwing them away, we prefer to donate them to charity, helping them find a new home and reducing the amount of waste going to landfill. Supporting charities through A Good Thing is very much aligned with our values. It’s a simple but powerful way to contribute to our community, reduce waste, and support organisations making a positive impact.”
This match is a perfect example of what happens when businesses and charities come together. From fun activities at a youth centre, to making life easier for volunteers, to helping someone furnish their first home, these items have already had a ripple effect of good.
Stories like this show how small things, when matched well, can have a big impact. And that’s exactly what A Good Thing is here for: helping businesses like the BDC give surplus items a second life, while making everyday moments easier, brighter and more hopeful for the charities that receive them.