Hospitality Action has a big birthday coming up – it’s celebrating 180 years of support by giving a little more back. This year sees a packed schedule of fundraising events aimed to raise a bumper amount for the charity that offers vital assistance to those that work or have worked in hospitality.
Founded in 1837, Hospitality Action has made life a little easier for thousands of hospitality employees and pensioners through the help and assistance given in terms of financial or emotional support and assistance. This ranges from people who are suffering from illness, struggling from bereavement or retired and at a loss as to what to do next. The money that they raise is distributed through grants, or used to fund educational seminars highlighting the likes of alcohol and drug misuse.
In 2015 the charity supported 2,021 people to the tune of £632,650, of the number of people who were helped, 82% of them were below the age of 60 and 7,770 students were reached at over 186 colleges and universities.
The number of young people entering into the hospitality sector has risen by a huge amount over the last few years as apprenticeships and other vocational qualifications have become a more popular way of climbing up the career ladder. This is a huge bonus for the industry as it’s a really positive step to see so many young people pursuing careers in this industry. Along with the benefits of working in the sector come challenges – risk factors that are traditionally a part of the hospitality industry long hours, pressure, and ready availability of alcohol and other substances. The programme aimed at hospitality students, funded by Hospitality Action, provides them with valuable information on the effects of alcohol and drugs, which helps them stay safer in their current life as students and as they enter the fast paced world of hospitality.
Penny Moore, Chief Executive of Hospitality Action, says:
“2016 was a record-breaking year as we managed to raise a staggering £1.61million. We continue to receive fantastic support from industry heavy-weights, whether from top venues, high-profile chefs or associations, it’s something we’re extremely grateful for. We want to make 2017 extra special by encouraging industry folk to take on a challenge event or two and we are introducing even more fun events for everyone to get involved with. We’ve set our sights high but have every confidence in our supporters, both new and old, that we will have even greater things to celebrate by the end of the year.”
2017 will see a bumper number of challenges, celebrations and events to further boost the coffers including: The Great Manchester 10K Run, Le Tour de Cuisine Cotswold Cycle Challenge and The Prudential Ride London to Surrey 100. The jewel in the calendar is undoubtedly the 180th birthday party, set to take place on Monday 10th July, keep an eye on the website for more details as it is set to showcase the positive contribution the charity makes to so many lives.
You can get involved throughout the year – check out the activity here www.hospitalityaction.org.uk/events or nominate them as your fundraising partner for the year by contacting the fundraising team fundraising@hospitalityaction.org.uk
@HospAction #HA180
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