Dobbies Garden Centres Raises £235,000 for Alzheimer's Research UK in First Year
Dobbies Garden Centres has announced the outstanding success of the first year of its national charity partnership with Alzheimer's Research UK, raising a total of £235,000. Of this total, the Swansea store contributed a significant £1,741.
Partnership Launched to Support Brain Health
Launched in March 2025, the charity was chosen for its strong resonance with Dobbies' communities, customers, and colleagues. The partnership also supports Alzheimer's Research UK's Think Brain Health campaign, which highlights the cognitive benefits of gardening and outdoor living. As the UK's leading dementia research charity, Alzheimer's Research UK is dedicated to ending the heartbreak of dementia by accelerating progress toward a cure.
Store Manager and Research Director Express Gratitude
Tina Freeman, operations manager of Dobbies' Swansea store, said: "We truly appreciate everything our colleagues and customers have done to support our partnership with Alzheimer's Research UK over the past year and would like to thank everyone for their involvement. From charity initiatives in-store and our dedicated Christmas Shopping Night to colleague fundraising challenges, we've come together to make a real difference."
Dr Sheona Scales, director of research at Alzheimer's Research UK, added: "Almost one million people are living with dementia in the UK, and this number is predicted to reach 1.4 million by 2040. Alzheimer's Research UK exists to change that. It is more urgent than ever that we revolutionise the way dementia is treated, diagnosed and prevented. We are incredibly proud to work with Dobbies. This partnership is helping us share the message of brain health while raising vital funds to help end the heartbreak of dementia."
Fundraising Initiatives and Future Plans
Dobbies' customers and colleagues in Swansea raised funds through several initiatives, including:
- An exclusive bulb pack developed with Taylors Bulbs
- A Christmas Shopping Night
- Online event donations
- Colleague-led challenges such as marathons
During World Alzheimer's Month in September, Dobbies also launched a nationwide programme in partnership with the micro-donation charity, Pennies. This allows customers to add a 25p donation when paying by card at the garden centre tills - an initiative that has already raised more than £69,000 across 53 stores.
The coming year will introduce new fundraising efforts, including sponsorship of Edinburgh's Walk for a Cure and donations from selected plant purchases. This ongoing commitment aims to further support dementia research and brain health awareness across the UK.
