What is the ChariTEA of the Quarter all about?
When we set up Bird & Blend back in 2012, we knew we wanted to create a company that gave back to the world and the communities that we worked within. We are passionate about supporting causes that are close to our hearts, helping the people & environment around us, so our ChariTEA (did you see what we did there?) of the Quarter was born. Supporting causes we love through tea seemed like the pretty perfect move for us!
Every three months we choose a different charity to work with and support them through the profits of their chosen blend, along with campaigns that our fans and customers get involved in too.
During this time, all of the profits that we make from the sales of our ChariTEA blend go straight to that charity or cause. This Quarter, our ChariTEA DKMS have chosen Jasmine Poached Pears.
Who are DKMS and how do they help?
DKMS is a blood cancer charity with a powerful mission: to give patients in need of a stem cell transplant the best chance of survival. Unlike many organisations, DKMS doesn't just focus on supporting patients. Their main goal is to grow the global stem cell donor registry and connect donors with people whose lives depend on it.
So, what exactly are stem cells? They are the building blocks of blood and can develop into red cells, white cells, or platelets. For people living with blood cancers such as leukaemia, lymphoma or myeloma, or serious conditions like aplastic anaemia, thalassaemia or sickle cell disorder, a stem cell transplant can sometimes be their only hope when other treatments like chemotherapy or radiotherapy are no longer effective.
Many people assume that a family member will be the best match, as with other organ donations. However, only around 30% of patients will find a suitable match within their family. Most rely on a complete stranger, which is where DKMS comes in.
DKMS is the largest contributor to the global stem cell registry, with over 12.5 million registered donors worldwide, including more than 1 million in the UK. Since launching in the UK in 2013, they have helped over 126,000 people around the world receive the stem cell transplants they desperately needed.
Joining the register starts with something incredibly simple: a cheek swab. These swabs are used to identify your HLA type (Human Leukocyte Antigen), which helps find a match for someone in need.
In the UK alone, over 2,000 people are told each year that they need a stem cell transplant. Sadly, more than 40% of them won’t find a match.
That’s why this campaign is so important. By raising awareness and encouraging more people to join the register, especially from underrepresented communities, DKMS is helping more patients get the second chance they deserve. And with your support, we can help make that happen.
Lindsey and Kirsten: One of the DKMS' Perfect 'Pears'
This is Lindsey and Kirsten. When Lindsey was diagnosed with a life-threatening blood cancer her only hope for survival was a stem cell transplant from a stranger on the stem cell register. Thankfully, Kirsten had registered as a potential donor years before at work, and when she got the call from DKMS, said yes to being a lifesaver. Five years later, Lindsey is thriving and has had the incredible opportunity to thank her donor, Kirstin, for her second chance at life.
The two ladies sent cards back and forth after the transplant before connecting over text, and finally meeting in person.
Kirsten said, “When we met last June it was a very special, powerful moment. It was very emotional at the end – I think for her, she’d had a donor by her side during an awful time, to get her through it, but now she can have closure - we’re connected for life but she doesn’t need me any more as her donor. Now, we can just be friends.”
How DKMS is working with Bird & Blend
This quarter, every cup of Jasmine Poached Pears tea supports DKMS’ lifesaving mission. Jasmine Poached Pears tea celebrates perfect pairings - just like Lindsey and Kirsten. Together, we're brewing more than just tea – we are giving patients with blood cancer a second chance at life.
How Bird & Blend are Supporting DKMS
Throughout the next three months, Bird & Blend will be supporting DKMS in many ways.
Raising Awareness: Bird & Blend will be giving out postcards with all purchases across all UK stores to promote DKMS and our chosen chariTEA blend Jasmine Poached Pears!
Registration Events: Bird & Blend is hosting DKMS for two donor registration events open to the public, on 17 July at the Worthing Head Office and 13 September at the Oxford Store. Come stop by and get swabbed to join the register.
Post Race Cuppas: Following the Cardiff Half Marathon, Bird & Blend will be providing all DKMS runners with a reviving cup of tea.
Spill the Tea with DKMS: At one of Bird & Blend’s stores, DKMS will be filming a “Spill the Tea” Q&A video between a stem cell donor and the sister of a stem cell transplant recipient. Keep an eye out on socials for when this is released!
How to get involved
cell donor and potentially give someone with blood cancer or a blood disorder a second chance at life. If you’re around, join DKMS at one of Bird & Blend’s registration events. Otherwise, you can order your swab kit online at dkms.org.uk/Bird&Blend.
Find out more about our lifechanging work here and follow DKMS on social media:
