Trade Charity’s boxing event puts its weight behind fundraising
Pubcos, breweries, licensees (and MPs) joined forces for the 53rd time to help less fortunate colleagues through the trade’s unique event
The Licensed Trade Charity’s (LTC’s) historic boxing tournament, now in its 53rd year, attracted a large group of supporters from the licensed trade at the old Whitbread Brewery in London on Wednesday 2 November, despite the currently tough economic climate.This unique event attracted 220 supporters, including brewery and pubco representatives, licensees and a couple of MPs. All enjoyed outstanding boxing from Haringey Police Community Amateur Boxing Club and London Select.
The trade charity has worked with the Haringey Boxing Club on this event for a number of years, sharing a similar ethos of helping people to get back on their feet. The club, based in the heart of Tottenham, works with young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. Using the discipline of the sport, these youngsters learn to control their lives, health and fitness to make the most of their potential.
MPs Nigel Evans and Andrew Griffiths, chair of the All Party Parliamentary Beer Group, enjoyed the evening so much that they got into the spirit have enjoyed the evening and am glad to have lent some support".
Fighting chance: Haringey Boxing Club partners the LTC in this historic tournament
More than £11,000 was raised through the event for the trade charity, every penny of which will go to helping those who work, or are retired from pubs and breweries facing serious illness, homelessness or poverty.
The charity helps 1,500 people every year, with information via its helpline, or with grants to help them through a difficult time. Assistance can include support during serious illness, deposits to secure family accommodation when homeless, or finance to pay essential bills for those facing poverty. The money raised through this event will make a difference to between 10 and 15 people whom the charity may support financially.
Shepherd Neame, through its Spitfire and Asahi brands, sponsored this year’s event. Head of free on-sales Giles Hilton said: "We attended last year for the first time as guests and felt we should be involved more. It’s a great hospitality event and unique in our trade. I would encourage more people to add this to their calendar next year".
