Help the helpers

Following the highly successful fundraiser at the ALMR lunch, the Licensed Trade Charity is appealing for support at the start of an ambitious year

While some of us indulged in celebratory excess over the Christmas and New Year period, many people were able to enjoy an extra-special Christmas, thanks to the wonderful generosity of those who attended the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers (ALMR)

Christmas luncheon.

A grand total of more than £35,000 was raised through a silent auction and raffle.

"Once again, the generosity of those attending the ALMR luncheon has shown clearly that the trade continues to look after its own", said chairman of the appeals committee Maureen Batty.

"Fundraising for the Licensed Trade Charity (LTC) at this special luncheon goes from strength to strength and we'd like to thank everyone for their personal contribution. Last year we raised a record amount of money and we're delighted to have beaten that this year.

"The money raised helped to fund

Christmas hampers, a gift warmly welcomed by those assisted by the LTC. These donations also help to pay for the short-term assistance provided by the charity during the winter months.

Extra assistance

LTC head of welfare Kath Gill said: "We distributed about 300 hampers, including several to beneficiaries at Denham Garden Village and others who needed extra help. The hampers contain everyday things as well as more

special items to help make this time of year more festive for those on limited budgets."

In addition to distributing hampers, the LTC was still busy helping people who call on the charity for their assistance.

Ann Gladwin and her grand-daughter,

Katie, aged seven, celebrated Christmas comfortably in their new home, thanks to help from the charity.

Since Ann's daughter died of a brain

haemorrage, Ann, who is 66, has been Katie's guardian. The retired widow, who used to work in an off-licence, lived in a one-bedroom flat in Cleveland and wanted to move into a two-bedroom flat to enable Katie to have her own space as she grows up.

With costs of moving home escalating, Ann's hopes of meeting her goal were looking bleak until she approached the LTC. The charity was able to award funding for furniture removal as well as providing a winter payment allowance, a weekly allowance and TV licence payment.

Ann said; "Katie and I are so thrilled about moving into a larger flat right before Christmas- this is one of the best presents we've ever received. It's important that Katie has her own bedroom and space to do all the things a young girl likes to do, such as listening to music and having somewhere to chat with friends! The LTC has helped us fulfil our dream."

Ann and Katie are just two of the many people the LTC helps. Every year, it provides thousands of pounds' worth of support and financial assistance to people who work or formerly worked in the industry.

The charity's fundraising target is £1m for 2007 and it is counting on the support of everyone in the sector to help it reach this goal.

Supportive strategies

Can you help the LTC to reach its fundraising target in order to help your fellow colleagues who find it difficult to cope and have no-one else to turn to?

The LTC is appealing to everyone who is involved with the licensed drinks industry to consider supporting the charity through sponsorship of its wide range of events, by organising your own fundraising event or by nominating the LTC as your favourite

designated charity.

For more information on the work of the

Licensed Trade Charity and details of ways you can help, please contact the LTC

fundraising department on 01344 884 440.

Keep in touch

Have you let us know your change of address? To make sure that you receive all the latest updates on what the Licensed Trade Charity has been up to and if you were a member of the SLV (Society of Licensed Victuallers), the LVNH (Licensed Victuallers National Homes) or the LTCH (Licensed Trade Convalescent Home) or you'd like to receive information on the LTC, please call Linda Huntley on 01344 884440 or email membership@licensedtradecharity.org.uk

Please let us know:

l your current address and postcode

l your phone number

l The name of your spouse (if applicable)

l The names of the pub/bar/brewery you have worked in