Retailer Jollyes has reported that its new partnership with social enterprise scheme BillyChip has already generated over £25,000 in donations.
In the first six weeks after launch, Jollyes customers purchased over 12,000 BillyChips at £2 each. The tokens can be used as currency by homeless people as an alternative to cash, and can be exchanged for food and drink at participating outlets as well as for dog food at Jollyes branches. Customers in-store 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.
Customers at Jollyes’ Kettering store have proven to be particularly generous, 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.
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. The retailer was the first partner to offer BillyChip street currency outside of the food and services sector, rolling out the scheme in 98 stores in December. Other supporters include Central Co-op and Greggs.
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.”
Jon Hope, co-founder of BillyChip, added: “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.”
