This International Women’s Day, we’re celebrating the women across Card Factory plc. who help turn generosity into real impact, supporting causes they care about, uplifting one another, and strengthening communities across the UK.
The 2026 International Women’s Day theme, “Give To Gain,” recognises that when we give our time, support or compassion, the benefits ripple far beyond a single act. At cardfactory Foundation, we see this every day through the colleagues who champion fundraising, share stories, and help local charities thrive.
Although cardfactory Foundation operates independently, our work is closely connected to the passion and commitment of cardfactory colleagues. From fundraising boosted through our Match Giving Fund to charities supported through our £5,000 Local Community Fund grants, colleagues play a vital role in helping us reach communities across the UK.
The stories of Chelsea, Zoe and Hazel show how giving truly comes full circle…
Giving us a voice internally: Chelsea’s story
As Internal Communications Manager, Chelsea Nahl plays a vital role in helping colleagues understand and connect with the Foundation’s work, and by sharing stories from across the business, she helps colleagues see the real difference their support makes.
For Chelsea, sharing these stories is about far more than awareness: “It’s about bringing to life the real impact behind the initiatives, reminding us that we’re part of something bigger than our day-to-day roles.”
Seeing colleagues’ passion inspired Chelsea to give back herself. After her young son was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, she began fundraising for Breakthrough T1D – a cause deeply personal to her family.
Applying for match funding amplified that effort in a powerful way: “Seeing the amount raised doubled felt like cardfactory wasn’t just supporting me as a colleague, but standing alongside my family.”
With match funding, Chelsea’s fundraising reached £5,000, a milestone she hopes one day to share proudly with her son as something they achieved together.
Giving strength and gaining confidence: Zoe’s journey
For Zoe Rotherforth, Retail Helpdesk Manager, fundraising became a personal milestone of resilience and recovery.
After experiencing significant medical challenges over two years, Zoe joined a Macmillan Mighty Hike determined to prove to herself what she could achieve: “I wanted to show myself that after everything I’d been through, you can still do things you never thought possible.”
Supported by colleagues through bake sales, raffles and donations, Zoe exceeded her fundraising target, an achievement made even more meaningful through the Foundation’s Match Giving Fund.
Zoe now actively encourages colleagues to apply for match funding, helping awareness ripple across the business: “The Foundation matching your funds is amazing – the charity receives double what you thought in the first place.”
Looking back on the journey, Zoe credits much of her success to the support around her: “When women uplift one another, it helps overcome self-doubt. It builds empathy, teamwork and morale.”
Giving back to communities: Hazel’s leadership
As a Regional Manager, Hazel Clark has supported the Foundation by helping select charities nominated through the Local Community Fund, ensuring grants reach organisations making genuine local impact.
For Hazel, the process is grounded in one key question: how much difference will this make?: “I focus on the impact the grant will have on communities. It’s an honour to be part of something that creates positive change.”
Reflecting on her career, Hazel credits much of her growth to the support of other women who guided and encouraged her along the way: “I had many women help shape the leader I am today. The impact has been priceless and it’s always been important to me to give back as others gave to me.”
Her perspective powerfully reflects the spirit of Give To Gain: mentorship, kindness and encouragement don’t end with one person, they continue forward, shaping future leaders: “When women support each other, it’s like a force of nature. We are shaping the future for the next generation.”
Her advice to others is simple but powerful: “Stand tall, know your worth and be your authentic self.”
The power of giving – together
Across cardfactory, women are demonstrating that generosity is not a single act but a shared movement.
Through storytelling, fundraising, leadership and community decision-making, colleagues like Chelsea, Zoe and Hazel show how giving creates momentum, strengthening individuals, inspiring teams, and transforming communities.
Pushpinder Gill, Head of cardfactory Foundation, sums it up: “International Women’s Day is a moment to recognise the incredible impact created when people come together to support one another. Across cardfactory, we see women leading with compassion and courage every day – whether through fundraising, sharing stories, championing their communities or supporting the Foundation as trustees. The Foundation exists to support that passion, and it’s truly inspiring to see colleagues turn personal commitment into meaningful change.”
