Toothbrushes donated by Barclays Wealth and Investment Management employees have been sent to children in Ghana.

The initiative was inspired by a visit to Ghana by Barclays employees with the charity, International Needs. While there they witnessed whole families sharing one toothbrush.

The Barclays team brought back the idea of a scheme to send as many toothbrushes as possible to youngsters in the country. Toothbrush collections took place in the Isle of Man, Jersey, Guernsey and Glasgow, with employees donating new toothbrushes, tubes of toothpaste and 50 pence to cover the postage cost.

Stuart Nelson, Head of Corporate Banking at Barclays Wealth and Investment Management in the Isle of Man said: “The toothbrush collection really captured employees’ imagination and the response rate was fantastic. We collected well over 500 toothbrushes to send to Ghana.”

“An item which is so disposable within Britain is a cherished possession of a child in Ghana. Donating a toothbrush and some toothpaste seems such a simple gesture, but it makes a life-changing difference to people without access to the dental care we enjoy.”

International Needs Ghana is a charity that aims to improve the quality of life within deprived communities through a combination of development and human rights schemes.  

Photo - Toothpaste and toothbrushes donated in the Isle of Man are benefiting children in Ghana.