A noteworthy donation - stepping forward to do a good thing!

Since signing up to A Good Thing, PA Promotions has made a number of popular offers on the platform. As a member of the British Promotional Merchandise Association, it has signed up to that organisation’s StepForward Pledge – launched to enhance the reputation of the industry and demonstrate that its members are taking their responsibility to positive action seriously.

Adam Wheeler, Graphic Designer at PA Promotions, told us a little about his firm’s motivation to get involved with A Good Thing:

“As a business we were delighted to learn about A Good Thing because we’re always striving to improve our eco status. Reducing waste is very important. The truth is, everybody loves a freebie: when we do our warehouse audit, we always find a surplus of product samples. These items are in perfect condition, they have been used in our showroom to showcase new products or as samples for our clients to consider.”

PA Promotions’ commitment to sustainability is evident in its eco-friendly range of merchandise. Adam Wheeler told us:

“To be honest, when we heard about A Good Thing we felt excited to get involved. We know we have quality goods to share, so it feels good to know they are going to a good home. It’s such a great initiative for all involved!”

Being there for families with neurodivergent children

PA Promotions was matched with AP Cymru, a small self-funded charity in Taff’s Well, outside Cardiff, that promotes resilience and inclusion for neurodivergent children and their families through confidence and skills-building. It runs clinics and online workshops as well as its in-demand ‘Empowering Parents’ programme. It has a lending library of books and equipment, along with a private parents’ forum and sessions with knowledgeable, understanding staff who often have lived experience of raising neurodivergent children.

The charity’s welcoming, empathetic community organises exclusive experiences, including swimming and horseriding, along with inclusive events and wellbeing check-ins to help families find their “neurokin”. The charity also offers in-person and online neuro-inclusion training, consultancy and guest speakers. Its aim is to provide the services that CEO Karen needed as a parent of a neurodiverse child, and being neurodiverse herself.

Even better than anticipated

On making the request for the notebooks, Tracey Bancroft, Grants and Funding Lead, said:

“We would welcome the notebooks. As a small, independent charity, we look to save every penny where we can. The notebooks will be used by the staff and volunteers in all aspects of their operational roles.”

Tracey found A Good Thing to be very easy to use:

“The process was simple and easy, as PA Promotions were close to where I live and so it was easy for me to collect. As the boxes of notepads were heavy, the donor even carried them to the car for me too! Everything was better than anticipated: while we were there, we collected a few extra things, too!”

Happy all round

Tracey told us a bit about how the notebooks are being used within the charity:

“Our volunteers and team members are using the notebooks as part of their normal tasks, such as recording meetings and taking training notes. We’re constantly looking for ways to achieve what we need without eating into resources that may impact our services to our clients. Without A Good Thing we would have had to spend time and energy exploring other avenues before spending the funds, which are resources we don’t have. Overall, a 10/10 experience and we will certainly be using the platform again.”

It seems PA Promotions had a great experience using the platform, too, and getting its items listed, as Adam explained:

“Uploading the goods was easy: we posted a few items, and when our charity contact came to collect the notebooks, we mentioned some other things we had – to see if she wanted them. She ended up taking all the remaining items! It is most definitely a ‘good thing’: the charity was pleased with its goods, and we were delighted they were put to good use. We will most definitely repeat the process whenever we have surplus stock to spare. Such a great initiative!”