L-R: Natalie & Adam Bamford.
Derby business Colleague Box will donate a percentage of profits from their World Cup-themed gift box to a charity that support humanitarian rights.
Football fans Adam and Natalie Bamford, who founded the corporate gifting company two years ago, have said that they will be boycotting this year’s tournament in Qatar.
The most controversial World Cup to date, governing body FIFA have been widely criticised for choosing the Gulf state as the host nation with their treatment of migrant workers and ban on same-sex relationships condemned by many.
After being asked by several customer if they were planning on creating a World Cup-themed gift box, Adam and Natalie decided to add one to the range of products available on their website – but with a percentage of the profits being donated to a humanitarian rights charity.
CEO Natalie said: “We want football fans who are watching the World Cup to enjoy the tournament but, as a company, we don’t agree with it being held in Qatar
“Holding one of the biggest sporting events in a country where punishments for being in a same-sex relationship include fines, prison sentences of up to seven years and even death by stoning shows that money really talks.
“There has been little thought about the supporters, players or people who live in Qatar.
“We’ll continue to support our customers who are planning to watch the World Cup – and we hope that England do well – but we felt that giving back to a charity such as the Peter Tatchell Foundation, which supports human rights, was the right thing to do.”
A little closer to home, Colleague Box are preparing for a busy Christmas with a new range of ‘Build Your Own’ boxes available for companies wanting to spread a little festive cheer.
They are also out and about at various events in the city with Tilly the Trailer – the company’s latest innovation that is available for on-site gifting experiences, celebrations and festivals.
The trailer – specially adapted for the Derby business by Bespoke Conversions; a family-run company based in Cheshire – has been kitted out with a fully-stocked bar, plus a triple fridge to keep stock at the optimum temperature.
Natalie added: “Christmas is always a hectic time for us at Colleague Box. We’ve launched a new festive corporate range where companies can choose their own gifts from a selection on our website. We can even add a branded sleeve to the Colleague Box, so companies can really make it personal.
“And we’re extra busy this year, as it’s the first time that we’ll be taking Tilly on the road.
“We’re supporting several local events including the UpRight Derbyshire Santa Ride for Safe and Sound again this year on December 17. Last year it was fantastic, with over 200 bikers riding from Pidcock’s in Long Eaton to the Darley Abbey Mills with presents for their young people. We’ll be selling mice pies, doughnuts and tea and coffee.”
