The leading supplier of parts, consumables and added value services to the UK’s independent automotive aftermarket has donated more than £37,000 to 78 local initiatives through its 280-strong branch network so far this year.

LKQ Euro Car Parts launched its Community Branch Fund scheme in 2023 to allow its branches to access funds to donate to community projects and charitable causes close to the hearts of local team members. 

Almost half of the branches to make donations so far this year have chosen to support young people in their respective communities – with support ranging from new kits and equipment for youth sports teams, to boosting funding for disabled children in schools. 

Branches in the South East have contributed the most out of any region, donating more than £9,200 across 18 causes, including the provision of specialist equipment for a local hospice, multiple investments into local sports clubs and supporting events to fight knife crime across Surrey. 

In the North of England, more than £5,700 has been donated. Highlights include colleagues at the LKQ Euro Car Parts Rochdale branch contributing to a fundraiser that will allow six young people to travel to Thailand and represent England in the 2025 World Muaythai Championships. 

And stellar pick up in the East and West Midlands has seen combined donations of more than £10,000 to support a community trust, Scout group and local hospice, among other initiatives. 

Kevan Wooden, CEO at LKQ UK & Ireland, said: “As an organisation, we do a lot of fundraising at a national and industry level, but this is about giving back locally, to the causes that really matter to our people and their communities. Not only are we able to make a difference to a fantastic variety of community groups, charities, hospices, sports teams and more – it’s been great to see our colleagues come together, take a genuine interest in each other’s stories and support each other’s chosen causes.”

LKQ UK & Ireland is also wrapping up its second annual business-wide Summer of FUNdraising. This year, funds raised will be donated to Ben, Pieta and the Ukraine relief effort – initiatives that received a joint total of £100,000 after last year’s efforts.