Pedalling for Pubs charity bike ride is raising money to support disadvantaged people within the industry as well promoting change towards a positive future.
The money will be channelled into projects that support those in need through the Licensed Trade Charity (LTC) and Only A Pavement Away (OAPA).
LTC chief executive Jim Brewster said: “Pedalling for pubs is just another example of how our great industry comes together to support those in need and the LTC are proud to be a part of the founding team.”
Participants will cycle 335km across Jordan with the aim to raise more than £140,000 in spring 2020.
A helping hand
The charity offers help sheets and a 24/7 helpline that anyone can access whether they’ve been in the trade for three days or 30 years.
For people who have been in the trade for five years or more, who are currently working or did so in the past, are offered financial grants that can help with anything from buying a washing machine to putting down rent deposits.
Their goal is to help people in the trade get back on their feet.
Workers in the hospitality trade are often faced with situations where they have financial pressures, emotional stress or sudden change in circumstance that can leave them desperate for a helping hand.
Brewster added: “The response so far has been overwhelmingly positive and we can’t wait to see the difference Pedalling for Pubs makes to our industry when it takes place in 2020 and beyond.”
Prime aim
OAPA founder and CEO Greg Mangham said the money raised will help support its members via careers in hospitality.
The charity’s prime aim is to help those living on the streets, as well as ex-offenders and vulnerable veterans, find employment in the trade.
In 2018, 320,000 people in the UK were registered homeless and growing.
With 1.3m vacancies expected in the pub and restaurant industries by 2024, hospitality is the third largest employer in the UK, generating £130bn in sales per year.
Exciting challenge
Mangham said they will be developing the infrastructure to help reach their target of getting 250 homeless people in employment in the forthcoming year.
KAM Media managing director Katy Moses said: “Pedalling for Pubs is looking to be an exciting annual event to raise money for two fantastic and worthy causes.
“And yes, I’ve agreed to put my saddle where my mouth is and will be riding alongside 25 other fundraisers and KAM will continue to share in the behind the scene organisation of this exciting challenge.”
