Our £10,000 donation to The BEN Society
We’ve donated £10,000 to The Scottish Licensed Trade Benevolent Society (The BEN).
The BEN is a charity which offers financial, social and emotional support to people of all ages who have worked in the licensed and hospitality trade.
They have estimated that the industry currently employs around 280,000 people in Scotland and during the Covid-19 pandemic, around 100,000 of those people could lose their livelihoods.
The charity has spoken to many hospitality workers who are facing financial hardship and since the end of March the charity has given over £37,000 in one-off grants. The money has gone to people to help them pay their bills and to enable them to buy food and essentials.
While we’re coming through this period feeling optimistic, there is a long road to recovery ahead of us all. Our team is aware there are worrying and uncertain times ahead for their colleagues in the industry. Our team is also grateful for this donation to show they care about their friends in hospitality.
The funds will help The BEN charity continue to help crisis hit workers. The charity’s reserves have felt the impact of the pandemic as fundraising events have been cancelled. This led the organisation to launch an emergency Covid-19 appeal. Our donation will go towards this appeal.
Steve Graham, Chairman, Manorview Hotels & Leisure Group, said:
“We’re in a fortunate position that we can help others. We’re also hearing distressing stories about people struggling to cope financially. There’s a hugely rich, diverse and talented workforce out there and they ensure Scottish hospitality is renowned all over the world. It’s an industry where people learn many valuable skills and have fulfilling careers. Our team care about their friends and colleagues in the industry, and we all support The BEN and their crucial work in providing emotional, social and financial support. There’s a long road ahead for all of us in the industry. We want to give some hope that we can not only survive but thrive and come out of this stronger.”
Chris Gardner, Chief Executive, The BEN Society, said:
“We thank Steve and the Manorview team for their tremendously generous donation which will help the charity continue with the critical work we do, now, more so than ever. In these challenging times for all businesses we are most grateful that the BEN is still in your focus. On behalf of the dozens of needy people throughout the drinks and hospitality trade we have helped we thank you.”
For anyone who is struggling, The BEN is there to help you. They provide financial, social and emotional support.
About The BEN Society:
The Scottish Wine and Spirit Merchants’ Benevolent Institution was founded in Glasgow in 1864 while the East of Scotland Licensed Trade Benevolent Institution was established in 1887, before the two organisations merged in 1976 to form the Benevolent Society of the Licensed Trade of Scotland – now commonly known as The BEN. Although over 150 years old, The BEN’s Strategy is to continue expanding its support across Scotland and ensure its services remain as relevant as ever to the licensed trade. The BEN supports people of all ages who have worked in the licensed trade for at least three years full-time with beneficiaries receiving annual financial assistance as well as discretionary grants for emergency situations.