The Stonegate Pub Company’s South East division of pubs and bars is hosting a month-long charity fundraiser throughout August in aid of Great Ormond Street Hospital.
Over 100 pubs and bars, including a number of Yates’s and unbranded pubs, will be aiming to raise over £35,000 to buy the hospital a Newborn Bloodspot Screener, a piece of equipment that allows the screening of newborn babies for serious but rare genetic conditions such as congenital sickle cell disorders and cystic fibrosis.
Last year, the division raised over £95,000 for the hospital, helping to purchase a mobile anaesthetic machine.
Pub managers have been tasked with coming up with imaginative and creative ways of raising money for the hospital as well as encouraging their customers to get involved. Already pubs have began fundraising with Windsor in Fenchurch Street and the Crutched Friars in London going head to head in a cycle, rowing and running relay hosted over three days which was inspired by activity currently taking place in London.
The division will also be hosting a charity golf day complete with dinner and auction at Selseden Park Hotel and Golf Club on Wednesday 29th August to help boost funds and the fundraising activity will culminate in a family fun day which will be held at the Danson Stables in Bexleyheath on Saturday 8th September.
Gary Cowles, Operations Director for the Stonegate Pub Company said: “Our pubs play such a vital role in the communities in which they operate, by bringing people together and helping to raise thousands of pounds for local people, local charities and national charities such as Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity each year. Many of our managers and their customers have had to call on Great Ormond Street Hospital so it’s a charity that they are committed to raising money for.
“Great Ormond Street Hospital provides world-class care to thousands of children every week. They have contributed to ground breaking advancements in the treatment of children and whilst the day to day running of the hospital is covered by the NHS, they need to raise £50 million every year to continue to fund accommodation for parents, research and state of the art equipment whilst also currently embarking on a redevelopment project of the old parts of the hospital.
“The team did a fantastic job of raising money for Great Ormond Street last year, so we want to build on that and raise even more money to help provide the hospital with much needed equipment.”
Katie Simmons, Senior Fundraising Manager at Great Ormond Street said: “We are so grateful to the Stonegate Pub Company for their continued support and for the amazing efforts that the Stonegate pubs, their staff and customers are making to raise such a fantastic amount for the hospital. This will make a real difference to our patients and families.”