Charities that are here to help
The last 12 months have been both unpredictable and devastating to our industry. Countries across the world are finding their feet at different times, and the vaccine for COVID-19 offers fresh optimism, but the challenge is far from over. We are looking at 2021 as the road to recovery across the hospitality industry and the good news is that there’s a load of charities across the globe that are specifically helping those in our industry; both businesses and individuals alike. In case you need some support going into the new year, we’ve rounded up a selection of charities below that can help. It’s by no-means an exclusive list, and we know there are many more out there doing what they can to help.
GERMANY
Support Your Local Bar Support
Your Local Bar is offering immediate support for independent, owner-managed bars and restaurants and their employees. Anyone from German-speaking countries can register and take part in the Tip your Bartender or Crowdfunding campaign. By choosing “Tip Your Bartender”, you can send a virtual tip to individual members of the bar team. The Crowdfunding option offers the opportunity to collect money through their support network, alongside an additional rescue fund, provided by industry partners.
USA
Lee Initiative x Maker’s Mark
When the pandemic began, the LEE Initiative (Let’s Empower Employment) partnered with Maker’s Mark to support the food, beverage and hospitality industry with freshly cooked meals, much needed supplies, resources and more. As part of this, Maker’s Mark crated the CommUNITY Batch – a special release bourbon created by the community, for the community, to support trade and hospitality partners around the country. Customers can get their hands on this limited release through various LEE Initiative events held across the country. All of the funds raised will create a trust to help the industry through future disasters.
United States Bartenders Guild Bartender Emergency Assistance
One of the biggest relief campaigns in the nation, The BEAP grants seek to provide immediate financial assistance for those in the hospitality industry who encounter temporary, developing, financial hardship due to unforeseen and/or catastrophic life events.
One Fair Wage Emergency Fund
One Fair Wage – a national organisation seeking to end subminimum wages for tipped works – has created an Emergency Fund to help those affected by the pandemic by giving funds directly to those in need.
AUSTRALIA
Tipjar
Tipjar is a hospitality relief fund that raises and directs money to those in the industry that need it most. The donations go directly towards saving the Australian hospitality industry and those facing financial hardship.
Help Out Hospo
Help out Hospo is offering a selection of online courses and classes, starting from $10. Learn to prepare restaurant quality meals, snacks and craft cocktails from the comfort of your own kitchen. Each video course is presented by hospitality professionals who have volunteered their time to help out, with all profits going to struggling hospitality workers.
THE UK
The Drinks Trust
Since 1886, The Drinks Trust (formerly The Benevolent) has provided care and support to the people who form the drinks industry workforce, both past and present. They are able to assist people who have lost their income as a result of COVID-19, as well as support those people who have faced challenges with their wellbeing as a result of the virus. To apply for financial support or any of their wellness services, complete the application form here.
TiPJAR and Hospitality Action’s Hospitality Workers Emergency Fund
TiPJAR, the digital tipping ecosystem. has created ‘The Hospitality Workers Emergency Fund’ in collaboration with charity Hospitality Action to allow the public to donate to an emergency fund to help the most vulnerable & in need in our sector during this time.
They identify those who need help the most & give a grant of £250. You can donate to support hospitality workers in need in your local city. Every pound will help.
