Outfit staff and customers raise £250k in the flight against dementia

The Arcadia owned out-of-town fashion store chain, which houses brands including Topshop, Dorothy Perkins and Burton has been raising money for charity of the year Alzheimer's Society since July 2011.

Staff from 57 Outfit fashion stores across the UK took part in a variety of fundraising events over the last 18 months, including family fun days, site to site relays, abseils and cycle rides.

Customers have also been getting involved by buying specially designed jewel key rings, shopping bags and compact mirrors.

Liz Monks, Director of Fundraising at Alzheimer's Society, said: 

'Outfit have been a fantastic corporate partner for Alzheimer’s Society. Our cause really captured the imagination of both staff and customers, resulting in some wonderful fundraising events and an incredible amount of money raised in the fight against dementia. One in three people over 65 will develop dementia, so the condition will touch most of our lives at some point. The support of Outfit staff and customers will help Alzheimer's Society continue to champion the rights of people living with dementia and the millions who care for them.'

Sir Philip Green, Arcadia owner said:

'Alzheimer's Society is a cause which is close to the hearts of many Outfit staff and customers, and it is thanks to their generosity that we've raised £250,000 to support people with dementia and their carers. I was really interested to find out about the work Alzheimer's Society is doing to make a difference to people with the condition, and so have personally donated another £25,000 to the cause.'

Ellen Robinson, Outfit employee from the Llanelli store said: 

'Out of all of the Outfit stores around the country, our Llanelli store raised the most money. We tried to get as creative as possible, using the existing skills and hobbies of our employees to help us to come up with unusual and unique fundraising ideas. We're so pleased to have been able to contribute to such an important cause that affects so many families across the country.'

The funds raised will help to fund vital support for people with dementia and carers such as befriending services, dementia cafes, and a range of activities including 'Singing for the brain' and art groups. 

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Photographs available on request.

Notes to editors:

• One in three people over 65 will develop with dementia
• Alzheimer’s Society research shows that 800,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia, more than half have Alzheimer’s disease. In less than ten years a million people will be living with dementia. This will soar to 1.7 million people by 2051
• Alzheimer’s Society champions the rights of people living with dementia and the millions of people who care for them
• Alzheimer’s Society works in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
• Alzheimer’s Society has a plan to deal with dementia. Help us support people to live well today and fight for a world without dementia tomorrow. We rely on voluntary donations to continue our vital work. You can donate now by calling 0845 306 0898 or visiting www.alzheimers.org.uk
• Alzheimer’s Society provides a National Dementia Helpline, the number is 0300 222 11 22 or visit www.alzheimers.org.uk
• Press Office 08450 744 395 Email: press@alzheimers.org.uk