The Manorview Hotels & Leisure Group has donated £10,000 to the Scottish Licensed Trade Benevolent Society – The BEN.
The BEN offers financial, social and emotional support to people of all ages who have worked in the licensed and hospitality trade 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.
However, the organisation has estimated that the hospitality industry could see around 100,000 hospitality workers could lose their livelihoods over the next few months.
The funds donated by Manorview will help the BEN 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. The Manorview Group 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, responded, “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.” http://www.bensoc.org.uk
