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As part of our 20th anniversary celebrations, the boxChilli team recently swapped desks for litter pickers and headed to Eastoke Beach on Hayling Island to support Final Straw Foundation with a community beach clean.
More than 20 members of the team took part on a sunny Thursday afternoon, helping to clear cans, bottles, plastic and other debris from the beachfront. In just two hours, we collected 13.3kg of rubbish, leaving the popular stretch of shoreline cleaner for residents, visitors and local wildlife.
The beach clean formed part of our 20 Acts for 20 Years initiative, which is marking boxChilli’s 20th anniversary this September. Throughout 2026, we’re committing to 20 charitable and community-focused activities across Portsmouth, the Solent and the wider region, from fundraising campaigns to hands-on volunteering days.
Working with Final Straw Foundation
The clean was organised and led by Final Straw Foundation, a Hayling Island charity working across the South Coast to reduce plastic pollution and protect the marine environment through education, community action and research projects.
Their team provided the equipment, safety briefing and guidance on the day, then sorted and weighed the litter once the clean was complete. boxChilli also made a donation to support the charity’s wider work across local beaches and coastal communities, helping them continue the practical, important work they do throughout the year.
A Community Effort on Hayling Island
We were also joined by Deputy Mayor Cllr Mark Coates, who came along to thank the team and show his support for Final Straw Foundation’s work.
Speaking after the clean, Cllr Coates said:
“It was an absolute pleasure to meet the team from boxChilli, and what a wonderful company initiative. All of the Hayling councillors from every party are very grateful for the additional litter picks that Final Straw are hosting and the companies who take part. Final Straw Foundation are doing such important work across our island and all along the South Coast.”
For our team, the afternoon was a chance to spend time together outside the office while doing something practical for a place many of us know well. It was also a simple reminder that giving back does not always need to be complicated, because sometimes it starts with showing up, putting on gloves and collecting what should not have been left behind.
Giving Back Throughout Our 20th Year
Since 2006, boxChilli has grown from a local digital agency into a South Coast team working with businesses across Hampshire, Portsmouth and the wider UK. As we celebrate 20 years in business, we want that milestone to reflect more than our own growth, which is why 20 Acts for 20 Years has become such an important part of our anniversary year.
The initiative gives us a meaningful way to support local charities, community groups and good causes, while giving our team the chance to get involved in projects that make a real difference close to home.
We’re proud to have supported Final Straw Foundation and grateful to their team for leading such a well-organised and worthwhile clean-up. A huge thank you to everyone from boxChilli who took part, to Final Straw Foundation for the important work they continue to do, and to Cllr Mark Coates for joining us on the day.
