Unite for tsunami cause, pubs urged

by Ewan Turney Pubs are being urged to rally one last time to raise money for the victims of the tsunami disaster by charity organisation Pub Aid....

by Ewan Turney

Pubs are being urged to rally one last time to raise money for the victims of the tsunami disaster by charity organisation Pub Aid.

Pub Aid is a new charity working in conjunction withthe Red Cross, which hopes to co-ordinate an industry-wide collection for the first time. Pub Aid week is set to run from 14to 20 February and will be launched with a celebrity bash at the Haverstock Arms in Camden the pub of former TFI Friday barman Andrew Carey.

"I think this is the first time there has been a concerted effort from the industry," said organiser Edward Pearce, licensee at O'Neills in Richmond.

"We realise a lot of good work has already been done by pubs in raising money but we are hoping to stir the conscience for one last push.

"We have two aims: first and foremost to raise money for the tsunami victims but also to raise awareness of the good work that pubs do and what a vital part of the community they are."

Pub Aid has launched a website, www.pubaid.org, which provides licensees with hints and tips on events to run as well as downloadable posters, and labels for collection buckets. It also enables licensees to advertise events online.

Pearce is running four live music events at his pub and hopes to take around £2,500 in contributions. "You don't have to raise that much though. If a small village pub can contribute £25, that is just as meaningful. Every penny counts."

Pearce hopes that celebrities will get involved to help raise more money although traditional pub events such as quizzes and karaoke evenings are also being encouraged.

"It would be great if celebrities got involved at their local pub. Can you imagine Roy Keane serving tables in Manchester for £2 tips or Jason Leonard doing a Q&A in Richmond? It would be great and very popular. I'm sure they'd do it. They just need to be asked."

So far, Mitchells & Butlers and Barracuda have pledged support for the campaign with Spirit Group also expected to join them. Pub Aid hopes to get contributions from 50,000 pubs and will display the running total on its website.

For further details visit www.pubaid.org.

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