World Cancer Day - How Online Retail Can Solve The Charity Sector Funding Deficit

Today - the 4th February -  is World Cancer Day, an important day for us all to recognise the vital work cancer charities are doing for our futures.

I’m sure that nobody needs reminding of the impact that the coronavirus pandemic has had on people and businesses across the country and indeed, the world. And the charity sector has been one of the worst affected. The closure of trading shops, cancellation of fundraising events, and reduced supporter fundraising due to over a third of the UK workforce being on reduced incomes, means that this year alone, Cancer Research UK are expecting a drop in fundraising income of £160m which will rise to £300m over the next 3 years. Only able to fund half as many scientists as usual, Cancer Research UK’s goal to improve cancer survival rate is in jeopardy.

On World Cancer Day 2021 it is key, now more than ever, to raise awareness of this essential cause and their funding deficit. The reduction in funding has the potential to prevent 3.7 million lives being saved every year, so the time to help most definitely is now; and we are determined to drive action.

We’ve taken a look at what can be done by businesses and online eCommerce platforms to help provide solutions to the charity sector funding crisis. With online retail sales booming over the last 12 months, increasing by over 46% in 2020 compared with 2019, and responsible for £2,120,700,000 revenue on average per week, the answer could be in eCommerce.

Since the pandemic hit in March last year, if all online retailers donated just 1% of online revenue to the charity sector, they would have received on average between £15.2m and £32.6m every single week. That means that online retailers alone could solve this problem in just 5 weeks.

Here at Priory Direct we give our customers the opportunity to donate 1% of their spend to one of our four charity partners at no added expense to themselves through our Charity Rewards program. Since November 2020 we have raised over £2,000 for Cancer Research UK and today, on World Cancer Day, we will be doubling all reward points donated to the charity. Our customers choosing to donate their reward points rather than redeem as savings for themselves, means that we can help scientists and researchers get one step closer to finding the cure.

For more information about how businesses can help alleviate the funding deficit for the charity sector and how we’re offering a lifeline to local and national charities, read the full story here.

Don't forget, we're running great promotions exclusively on our affiliate programme, offer 7.5% commission for new customers, as well as free next day delivery on orders over £250 - if you haven't already, join us today!

If you need any help at all then please get in touch

Lauren Churcher | lrc@priorydirect.co.uk | Samantha Holmes | sgh@priorydirect.co.uk