Yorkshire estate agents Linley & Simpson got behind #givingtuesday for the first time in 2016. Find out what they made of it.

Why did you get involved with #givingtuesday?

We were fundraising for a charity and it was a good way to focus everyone’s efforts around a certain day together. We also though we might receive some extra coverage and support if we were associated with the day.

What did you get up to on the day?

Throughout November we collected unwanted goods on behalf of Martin House Children’s Hospice, our adopted charity of the year. We asked people to drop items off at our stores, and on #givingtuesday we did our own version of the Italian Job as a convoy of our branded Mini cars took the goods to the charity’s warehouse!

What were the results?

All 11 of our high street branches took part, as well as our head office in Leeds. As well as eight drivers who took part in the convoy, we also had three additional staff volunteering at the warehouse to offer extra pairs of hands. Loads more people contributed to the event including staff, their friends and family and our customers who all donated unwanted goods.

In the end we collected stock worth over £1000 which was used to provide a pantomime for the children at the hospice.

“Being part of a big movement like #givingtuesday provided increased visibility for our event and more motivation for our donors. It really was great to be involved in something which has such a huge and positive impact for charities across the world.”

Emily Wilkinson, Project co-ordinator