Call for operators to fundraise for Ukraine
The UK’s Hospitality Ukraine Appeal has been launched by the Piano Works founder Alan Lorrimer and operations director Tristan Moffat, and urges operators to offer dining guests the option to donate £1 per person to the cause.
The Piano Works in Farringdon has vowed to match each guest donation with an equal £1, and hopes to raise up to £4,000 each week, with all proceeds going to the British Red Cross Ukraine Appeal.
In addition to the campaign, the Piano Works is keen to offer job vacancies, subject to Government guidelines and applicants’ right to work, to refugees resettling in London from Ukraine, and also from other war-torn areas such as Yemen, Afghanistan or Syria.
This will provide refugees with a chance to rebuild their lives in a new country, while will also help the hospitality sector fill staff shortage gaps across the sector.
Fundraising initiative
This joins the efforts of breweries across Europe that are coming together in the Drinkers Ukraine initiative to raise funds for the International Red Cross humanitarian relief effort.
RESIST, a ‘Ukrainian Anti-Imperial Stout’ developed by displaced Ukrainian brewers, with profits donated to the Red Cross.
What’s more, the initiative is inviting businesses and individuals to join an online charity auction of rare and sought-after items.
“The messages of support we’ve already received from our international friends have meant so much,” Drinkers for Ukraine project leader Lana Svitankova said. “With Drinkers for Ukraine, we want to channel this solidarity into real, practical help for the people dealing with the devastating consequences of this tragic and illegal war.
“It will start with charity auctions and a collaborative brew, but we have more plans in the works, for even more people to show their support and get involved. It isn’t hyperbole to say this is a matter of life and death for millions of people, who urgently need our help now, in whatever way we can provide it.”
Booze boycott
Many businesses have ditched Russian-made vodka in support for Ukraine, including Nightcap Group and Arc Inspirations. Co-op Food and Marco Pierre White’s London steakhouses are some of the most recent companies to stop selling Russian booze.
What’s more, pubs and bars across the country are acting as donation points for Ukraine aid, including the Saltgrass pub, Sunderland, County Durham, and Bee House bar in Manchester.
Polish Integration Support Centre director Anna Buckley, who working in partnership with Bee House bar said: “The response has been amazing. The people are so kind, so generous, and they do everything they can to support the others.”
Operators will be sent a joining form and welcome pack upon signing up. You can register to the campaign, or find out more information, through contacting katied@pianoworks.bar
