Supported by the IoH for the second year, the fundraising walk was raising money for industry charity Hospitality Action which supports all those who work, or have worked, in the UK hospitality sector. At a time when the cost of living continues to increase and many hospitality businesses are struggling to survive, this will be a much-needed boost for the charity.
From the start of 2020 until now, Hospitality Action has awarded well over 9,000 grants totalling £2.8 million pounds: more than any other period in its 185-year history. Already this autumn Hospitality Action has experienced a 30% increase in applications for financial support while more than 50% of applicants are presenting with household arrears such as rent or utilities placing many at risk of homelessness.
Meanwhile, 35% of beneficiaries are directly referencing mental health issues in their application, often reporting that this is exacerbated by financial problems.
Walk For Wellbeing saw the hospitality industry pull together to fundraise for the cause, with donations being used to support the mental, emotional and financial well-being of those within the industry.
The nation was challenged to put on their walking shoes and join either a hosted 20km walk in London, Birmingham, Manchester or Glasgow or a ‘take part any time’ challenge.
Founder of UK hospitality talent partner, mum and Walk For Wellbeing, Craig Prentice, said: “I’m in absolute awe of how people have rallied and got involved with this year’s Walk For Wellbeing in support of Hospitality Action. In true hospitality spirit, people have come together to make great things happen. With a challenging few months ahead for the industry, it feels amazing to have raised £90,000. I would like to extend a huge thank you to everybody involved in this project, especially to those who walked and donated.”
Mark Lewis, Chief Executive, Hospitality Action says: “This year’s Walk for Wellbeing was a triumph and the fact that £90,000 has been raised is testimony to the generosity and determination of all those who took part. In a time of uncertainty, it is encouraging to see that we can rely on our amazing supporters to go the extra mile to raise money for hospitality families facing crisis this winter.”
Walk For Wellbeing is powered by UK hospitality talent partner, mum, in partnership with Caterer.com, Davidson Asset Management (DAM) and The Caterer. The campaign is also supported by Sean Wheeler Consulting Limited, Lexington Catering, Tonic Talent, The Manchester Hoteliers Association, the IoH and The Relationship.
The IoH will be supporting the Walk for Wellbeing again in 2023 and beyond. We will keep our members updated as they announce their plans.
Learn more at www.walkforwellbeing.org.
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