The latest survey by PubAid, the group dedicated to highlighting the work UK pubs do for charity, revealed that pubs raise more than £100m for charity every year. The survey demonstrated that pubs in the UK and Northern Ireland raise, on average, £2,000 each year.
Independent groups and large pub chains can all make a difference to lives through fundraising in various different ways. Leeds-based brewer and operator North Brewing Co/North Bar set itself a target of raising £20,000 for local charity St Gemma’s Hospice as part of its 20th anniversary celebrations.
Since reaching its anniversary in July 2017, staff from across North Bar’s seven sites have been involved in fundraising activities and have raised more than £9,000 for the local charity.
This has included launching a limited-edition session pale ale, hosting a tasting session and auction, including a rare set of BrewDog beers, alongside various other fundraising events.
Award-winning pub chain New World Trading Company smashed its ‘Believe with the Botanist’ campaign fundraising target at the end of 2016 to raise money for children’s charity Barnardo’s.
The pubco pledged 1,500 hours of team time towards the charity’s projects and initiatives to celebrate its 150th anniversary of support and hit £43,594 in just two months.
Operator’s view
Red Mist Leisure has eight sites throughout Surrey and Hampshire, and raises tens of thousands of pounds for charity each year, MD Mark Robson said.
“Pubs, and particularly rural pubs, are a bedrock of communities. It is not just about being seen to be good at raising money, pubs have a responsibility to embed with those communities, be part of them, engage with and do the best for them.
“We have always taken it seriously and always will. When you work in a small, local community, you get to know the people in them, people who are affected by illnesses, loss, disabilities and more, and you want to be able to help them.
“It is great for morale in your team, great for staff and, as a business, it means you have the right ethics and moral code too.”