Manchester, England -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/15/2011 -- PRIME is the only charity in the UK aimed at helping older people to set up their own business as a way of getting back to work. Established by Prince Charles as a sister charity to The Prince’s Trust, PRIME helps the growing number of people in the 50+ age group who need to continue working, or get back into work after losing their job, by helping them to set up their own businesses. “Being a small charity, we don’t have the resources to do everything we’d like to do,” confirms Ian Stobie, Marketing and PR Manager for PRIME. “We have a huge amount of useful material on our website and publicising the web address on the side of these cotton bags has been a fantastic way to spread the word. We’ve traditionally bought printed pens from 4imprint but are definitely considering buying cotton bags in the future as they’ve proved to be so popular,” he continues.

The Outward Bound Trust, the leading UK charity working in experiential learning for young people, also received 100 cotton bags which they use as a thank you present for their supporters. “Having purchased balloons and other promotional items from 4imprint, a colleague was speaking to one of the sales team there who mentioned the Helping Hand programme to her” says Laura Watson, Events Co-ordinator at The Outward Bound Trust. “We applied and were delighted to receive 100 free cotton bags imprinted with our logo”. Established in 1941, The Outward Bound Trust provides learning and development opportunities through adventures in the wild to young people via their school or youth group.

When serial fundraiser Peter Jenkins was looking for a company to donate items that could be used to promote The Grace Allen Fund, the Helping Hand programme came up on a Google search. He applied and received 100 cotton bags which were initially handed out at a Santa run and are now being used at other fundraising events. “Every little bit helps when you’re a fundraiser,” says Peter Jenkins “so finding a company like 4imprint who are operating this charity scheme is an absolute breath of fresh air and they should be recognised and rewarded for their generosity and innovativeness” he continues. The Fund, named after 4-year old Grace Allen who has cerebral palsy, is currently raising £10k for a communications device which will greatly enhance Grace’s daily life.

“Since launching the Helping Hand programme last summer we’ve received a growing number of applications each month. Our aim is to help as many good causes as we can with a small order of promotional products which they can then use to raise funds or awareness for their cause,” says Cheryl Jackson-Leafield, Marketing Manager 4imprint UK and Ireland. “Over the coming months there are T-shirts, umbrellas, wristbands and trolley coin keyrings up for grabs and we invite charitable organisations to apply when they see an offer that appeals to them.“

About 4imprint
4imprint is part of the Direct Marketing Division of 4imprint Group plc, serving more than 100,000 businesses with its innovative promotional products throughout the UK, Ireland, USA and Canada. Its product offerings include corporate gifts, personalised gifts, promotional pens, ceramic & travel mugs, cotton bags, drink bottles, Post-it Notes, diaries & calendars, and much more. 4imprint’s ‘no quibble’ guarantees include the promise that if the personalised goods are not despatched on time they’ll be free! For additional information, visit http:/www.4imprint.co.uk