Cleanology launches third fundraiser to tackle hygiene poverty

The office and commercial cleaning company has launched its third annual fundraising event in aid of The Hygiene Bank, a grassroots people-powered charity supporting people suffering from hygiene poverty, inspiring social change and giving people access to the basics they need.

In its first two years, the Cleanology fundraiser has been a resounding success, raising around £40,000. This year the popular fundraiser is being held on Tuesday 3 October in The Balcony Room at the majestic Globe Theatre in London’s Bankside. Ticket buyers will contribute to this important cause and make a positive impact on The Hygiene Bank.

Dominic Ponniah, CEO of Cleanology, which is headquartered in Vauxhall, South West London, said: “Guests can look forward to an array of entertainment, including networking opportunities, refreshing drinks, delicious canapés, a lively auction, a raffle with amazing prizes, and a panoramic view of London and the River Thames from one of London’s most iconic venues.”

In October 2022, YouGov published Hygiene Poverty 2022, commissioned by The Hygiene Bank, the first comprehensive, national, mixed methodology research report into the scale and impact of hygiene poverty in the UK.

Over 3.1 million adults in the UK are living in Hygiene Poverty and the research showed that hygiene products such as toothpaste, shampoo and laundry detergent are the first to be cut when budgets are tight.

Ruth Brock, CEO of The Hygiene Bank, said: “The Hygiene Bank is so grateful to Dominic Ponniah and Cleanology and all the sponsors of this event for their fantastic generosity. We are thrilled by their efforts to raise crucial funds for the charity’s work and it’s so important to us to have had the chance to raise awareness of hygiene poverty and how it affects the lives of millions of people across the UK. As the need for the charity’s work grows, we need more individuals and companies who, like Cleanology, believe that everyone deserves to feel clean, to follow in their footsteps and join us, as we work together to end hygiene poverty for good.”

Hygiene poverty is life-limiting and uniquely oppressive. It makes even small social interactions seem impossible and limits access to education and opportunities at work.

The YouGov 2022 research found that:

• A third of those affected isolate themselves from friends and family.
• 16 per cent of young people aged 16-24 have missed days at school.
• Around 12 per cent have missed job interviews or days at work.
• It erodes our confidence and self-esteem, with over 60 per cent of people saying it negatively impacts mental health.

This year’s sponsors from the cleaning and FM sector are: Bridge Recruitment, Darwin Clayton, Futures Supplies, Liberty Hygiene, Evans Vanodine and The Cheeky Panda. All acknowledge that hygiene poverty is a growing issue across the UK.

Tickets are priced from £46 +VAT each and are available on Eventbrite, with all profits donated to The Hygiene Bank.