ECJ EUROPEAN Cleaning Journal

Over 180 guests attended a sell-out event in London last week to raise a record-breaking £32,000 in cash and a further £5,000 in product donations to help The Hygiene Bank charity play a major role alleviating hygiene poverty.

The annual fundraiser organised by cleaning services provider Cleanology has reached a total of £115,000 in its first four years.

Dominic Ponniah, event organiser and CEO of Cleanology said: "I am overwhelmed by the support we have received from across the FM industry. Now in its fourth year, our charity evening continues to grow from strength to strength with more and more companies joining to support. Sadly hygiene poverty isn't going away any time soon, and we will continue to fight it for as long as we need to. My deepest thanks go out to everyone who was part of this year's event."

Ruth Brock, CEO of The Hygiene Bank added: "The Hygiene Bank is beyond grateful for the generosity of everyone involved in Cleanology's fourth annual fundraiser. The funds raised will directly help us provide essential hygiene products to those in need across the UK, making a real difference in the lives of those pulled into hygiene poverty.

"Together, we are working towards a future where basic hygiene is a right, not a privilege - and only through partnerships like this will we succeed. Thank you, Cleanology, Dominic, and to all the sponsors and guests who supported this amazing event and, in doing so, for standing with us in this mission."

In May this year, The Hygiene Bank unveiled shocking findings from its latest research report ‘Hygiene Poverty in 2024'. It now estimates that 4.2 million adults in the UK are currently living in hygiene poverty, a significant increase of 1.1 million people compared to the findings in 2022, highlighting the escalating severity of this silent crisis.

The study, conducted by YouGov, uncovered the devastating impacts of hygiene poverty on individuals and families across the nation, exposing the effects hygiene poverty has on mental and physical health and how it acts as a barrier to education and work.

The Hygiene Bank is a people-powered charity and social movement, committed to tackling hygiene poverty in communities across the UK. The Hygiene Bank believe that no one should have to choose between staying clean and meeting other basic needs. Through their network of projects, they provide essential hygiene products to those experiencing poverty or crisis.

To find out more about the charity: thehygienebank.com