News Release
Thursday 15 February 2024
For immediate release
BillyChip partnership with Jollyes delivers £25,000 in donations in six weeks
The BillyChip van outside Kettering store, Jollyes' number one BillyChip location.
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BillyChip®, the social enterprise scheme supporting rough sleepers, has announced that its new partnership with Jollyes, the Pet Industry Federation's 2023 retail chain of the year, has already generated over £25,000 in donations for homeless people and their pets.
In the first six weeks after launch, Jollyes customers purchased over 12,000 BillyChips. Customers can either purchase a BillyChip and donate it personally to those living on the streets, or deposit it in a special box at the register.
Offering a safe and secure scheme for the homeless, buying and giving a BillyChip overcomes some of the concerns people have about giving to those who are homeless and offers choice to the person using it. A BillyChip, which costs £2, can be exchanged for cans of dog food for those who are homeless and have a pet, or used by individuals in participating cafes and restaurants in exchange for a hot drink or meal.
Jollyes was the first partner to offer BillyChip innovative street currency outside of the food and services sector, rolling out the scheme in 98 stores in December.
Customers at Jollyes Kettering store really got behind BillyChip, buying 1,600 £2 tokens to give to the homeless in Northamptonshire or leave at the till for Jollyes and BillyChip to use to purchase dog food for those living on the streets with pets.
In and around Kettering, one BillyChip can also be used in five local Central Co-op stores to exchange for a hot or cold drink, or two BillyChips exchanged for a meal deal.
Other Jollyes stores seeing high BillyChip sales include Hull, Cannock, Great Bridge and Dereham.
New stores planned for Newport (South Wales) on 1 March and Rotherham (22 March) will also offer customers the opportunity to buy the BillyChip street currency.
Jollyes has joined a growing network of BillyChip partners across the UK, including Central Co-Op and Greggs, who support the scheme.
From March 2024, BillyChip and Jollyes will donate dog food to those who are homeless, on a quarterly basis, using the value of the BillyChip tokens purchased, with Jollyes doubling the size of the donation.
Commenting on partnership, Jon Hope, Co-Founder of BillyChip said:
"Seeing the impact which this new partnership with Jollyes has already made is absolutely fantastic. We couldn't believe how quickly the scheme has taken off - and how many BillyChips have been sold in such a short time. Jollyes customers have taken BillyChip to their hearts showing us how pet owners around the UK are ready and willing to support others in their communities."
Jollyes chief executive officer Joe Wykes said:
"Both customers and colleagues have got behind BillyChip in a big way since we quietly launched it in December. We hope to build on our initial success and help BillyChip gain access to more redemption partners that will make a significant difference to the homeless and their pets."
Further information:
Nick Agarwal, +44 (0)7568 101045 // Andrea Ross, +44 (0)7961 776339, jollyes@arena-pr.com
Emma Cooper, +44 (0)7909 867347, emma@recenseo.co.uk
About BillyChip®
BillyChip is a social enterprise platform which aims to empower rough sleepers. The platform allows people to purchase a BillyChip token from participating outlets which can then be given to rough sleepers and homeless people as an alternative to cash. They can then redeem the BillyChip for food, drink and other products.
BillyChip was set up in 2018 to continue the legacy of Billy Abernethy-Hope, a 20 year old ambulance driver from Bristol. After helping support the homeless, Billy felt disheartened at how little the general public gave to local homeless people. Although many make regular charitable donations, Billy was surprised at the small percentage of donations given directly to people living rough for fear of the money being used for drugs or alcohol. The BillyChip offers a solution, delivering kindness, compassion and food and drink to homeless people in the UK.
The BillyChip Foundation was established as a registered charity by Meg Abernethy-Hope, Billy's sister, and Jon Hope, Billy's father. In 2021, Meg was awarded the Diana Award for her charitable work.
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About Jollyes
From modest beginnings in Enfield as a single store in 1971, Jollyes has now grown into one of the leading pet food superstores with 98 locations across the UK alongside a market-leading position in Northern Ireland.
From Perth to Plymouth, Newry to Norwich, at Jollyes customers can find anything for their pet, from pet food, pet toys and an array of pet accessories.
Customers are actively encouraged to bring their pets into store, while customers shop because Jollyes people are passionate about pets.
Potty about puppies and crazy for cats, no matter what the animal, store colleagues are always on hand to help with anything from product advice, to picking the perfect pet and accessories.
Many stores also run community clinics offering vaccinations and other advice from trained vets. And if one of Jollyes stores isn't close by, there's helpful advice on Jollyes website where you can ask the expert.
Jollyes was named 2023 Pet Retail Chain of the Year at the Pet Industry Federation Awards and is nominated as best retailer under £250m turnover and pet speciality retailer of the year in the 2024 Retail Week awards.
A full list of stores and advice for customers on owning a pet can be found at www.jollyes.co.uk.