From Roof Tiles to Real Change: Russell Roof Tiles Extends Charity Commitment

Delivering more than just quality roofing, pioneering manufacturer Russell Roof Tiles has announced it will be extending its support to two new charities this year as part of its Give4Good initiative.

‘Buddiez’ and ‘Miles for Smiles’ are the new recipients who will benefit from fundraising efforts under the programme, which was devised in 2022 as a way of supporting local causes with fun and challenging events which are championed by its staff, suppliers, customers and partners.

Both charities were nominated by staff due to the incredible impact that they have on their communities, which are local to Russell Roof Tiles’ two sites in Burton and Lochmaben.

Miles for Smiles, which is based in Swadlincote, was founded by Callum Worker in 2015. The Charity is on a mission to relieve the needs of people with disabilities and life-limiting or life-changing health conditions by providing them with grants or memorable experiences. So far, they have helped over

520 families and organisations through individual support and group events across South Derbyshire, North-West Leicestershire, and East Staffordshire.

Callum commented, “We feel extremely fortunate to be receiving this support from Russell Roof Tiles. It will allow us to extend our services to new families who need them most, ensuring we can reach even more people during incredibly challenging times.”

Dumfries-based Buddiez aims to provide a safe and stimulating environment in which adults with learning disabilities can experience personal growth and fulfilment, through the provision of activities, training and support.

Jane Stitt, Project Manager at the charity, said: “Everyone at Buddiez is so very thankful for the kind nomination and any donations will be used to welcome more people into our services to ensure no one is left out.”

Russell Roof Tiles has pledged to raise £50,000 for its chosen charities this year, which also include Burton-based Staffordshire, Shropshire and Cheshire Blood-Bikes, Burton YMCA and Lochmaben-based Veterans Garden Dumfries and Lockerbie Wildlife Trust, as well as international charity, The Footprints Family.

Since the launch of the initiative, the firm has raised over £275,000 for good causes. Previous fundraising activities included skydiving, firewalking, paddleboarding, comedy and race nights and the firm’s ‘Race Across Europe’ challenge, which saw teams of two travel to five different countries across Europe in 80 hours without flying.

Managing Director of Russell Roof Tiles, Andrew Hayward, commented: “Community is at the heart of everything we do, which is why we’re proud to bring our Give4Good initiative back for the fifth time.

“Our firm is known for its inventive ways to fundraise, and we’re excited to share the plans we have in place to reach our ambitious target and support some incredible charities that work tirelessly to make a positive impact in our communities.”

The company, a major producer of concrete roof tiles and accessories, and has recently launched a revolutionary new product Bute3®, which combines the aesthetic appeal of traditional plain tiles with the efficiency of a modern interlocking design, a result of five years and £2 million in product development. Bute3® is now in full production at the manufacturer’s new £18.5 million fully automated line at its Nicolson Way site in Burton on Trent.