A BUSINESS is celebrating a year of giving back to good causes after donating more than £12,000 worth of products to worthy organisations.

Total Merchandise in Colchester is celebrating its 15th anniversary this year.

The merchandise company on Severalls Industrial Estate was founded by Jason O’Connor, David Stoddart and Michelle Rae Stoddart in 2004.

The big-hearted business has taken part in a variety of charitable events throughout the year, including the Macmillan Coffee Morning and Children In Need’s Pyjama Day.

Michelle Rae Stoddart said: “Whilst we worked hard to succeed and get to where we are today, there was also a certain amount of luck involved.

“So many people work just as hard and don’t achieve the same.

“We like to give back when we are able to, especially to smaller charities who perhaps don’t get as much publicity or help as some of the larger ones.”

All sorts of charitable organisations across the UK have been supported by the company, which has donated everything from logo-branded tote bags for fundraisers to promotional umbrellas for sports teams throughout the year.

Jason O’Connor said: “We are very fortunate to have had an amazing year of business.

“It’s great for us to be in a position where we can help some really worthy causes obtain more visibility or raise vital funds for their work through the use of promotional merchandise.”

Included in the list of names the company has worked with include Harwich-based World Food Aid, Essex Air Ambulance and Colchester Half Marathon.

John Mackenzie, head of marketing at Total Merchandise, is co-founder and trustee of the 13-mile race, which has raised more than £500,000 for charity since its inception in 2011.

David Stoddart added: “It’s great to have been able to play a part in the community.

“Total Merchandise has been based in Colchester for more than five years now and it’s become like home for the business.

“Being able to get involved with some of the events and amazing causes based around the town is brilliant.”