JAQ Group pledges £55k in products and cash to ensure no child wakes up without gifts

The JAQ Group team, from left to right, including Lucie Boal, Calvin Martin, with Claire McGimpsey from Cash for Kids, Connor Martin, Genevieve Martin, Jackie Kilpatrick, Mollie Walker and Alex Macalintal.  

A County Antrim-based fragrance company has donated £55,000 in funding and products to support Cash for Kids’ Mission Christmas campaign, helping ensure vulnerable children across Northern Ireland receive gifts this festive season.

The JAQ Group, headquartered in Randalstown, has teamed up with the charity for its annual appeal, which aims to make sure no child wakes up on Christmas Day without presents.

As part of the donation, the local firm has provided more than £40,000 worth of products from its popular The Essence Vault and Thomson Carter brands, alongside £5,000 worth of toys and £10,000 in cash.

The company also supplied goodie bags for all guests attending the Cash for Kids fundraising Gala Ball at the Europa Hotel in Belfast on 29 November 2025.

The donation comes at a time when demand for charitable support is increasing rapidly, with many families continuing to feel the pressure of the cost-of-living crisis.

The Mission Christmas campaign is now in its 16th year in Northern Ireland and has become a lifeline for thousands of families. In 2024 alone, the appeal supported more than 17,000 local children — a figure expected to rise again this year.

JAQ Group managing director Connor Martin said the business was committed to supporting children of all ages through a mix of practical and financial help.

“We are proud to once again support Cash for Kids this Christmas through a combination of product donations that will be used as gifts for older children and toys and monetary donations that will help the charity provide presents for younger children and babies.

“We are a local company and are committed to giving back to our local community which we do so by supporting a range of local charities and initiatives throughout the year. Community engagement is very important to us, and we are delighted to continue our partnership with Cash for Kids.”

Cash for Kids supports disadvantaged children and young people up to the age of 18 who are affected by poverty, illness, neglect or additional support needs, ensuring funds raised locally are used locally.

Clare McGimpsey, Regional Charity Manager NI at Cash for Kids, said the donation would have a direct impact on families across the region.

“The generosity of The JAQ Group will make a huge difference to the children and families right here at home. Every pound raised stays in Northern Ireland, helping us provide direct support and create brighter futures for our local communities.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank The JAQ Group and encourage other businesses to consider supporting this year’s ‘Mission Christmas’ campaign. At this time, we can only accept cash donations as any gifts won’t be distributed in time for Christmas.”

Founded in 2019 by Connor Martin, The JAQ Group began with the launch of The Essence Vault, offering affordable, long-lasting fragrances inspired by high street brands.

The company has since expanded its range to include eau de parfums, fragrance oils, diffusers, candles and skincare products, and has grown into one of the UK’s fastest-growing online brands.

Despite its national growth, the company has maintained a strong focus on community support. Alongside charitable donations, The JAQ Group sponsors a range of local sports organisations, including Antrim All Stars GAA, FC Antrim and Antrim Rovers Football Club, promoting inclusivity, teamwork and personal development.

As an alumnus of St. Louis Grammar School, Ballymena, Mr Martin has also funded improvements to the school’s science facilities, helping support future generations of innovators.

Looking ahead to 2026, The JAQ Group says it remains committed to sustaining its growth while continuing to give back to the local community it was founded in.