- Almost £150k raised for the UK’s leading loneliness charity, Marmalade Trust
- Kaukab Stewart MSP addressed the issue of health impact in speech
HEINEKEN UK, the UK’s largest brewer, cider maker and pub company, has hosted a glittering gala ball and auction to raise vital funds for the company’s corporate charity, Marmalade Trust.
The evening, together with activity through the year, has raised nearly £150,000, with colleagues, licensees and customers all digging deep to raise vital money for the UK’s leading loneliness awareness charity.
The charity, which is one the UK’s leading organisations raising awareness of loneliness, has been working with HEINEKEN UK since 2023. During that time, tens of thousands of pounds has been raised, which helps raise awareness of the impact on people who feel lonely, something which the Minister said increases risks of conditions such as cardiovascular disease, and stroke as well as mental health conditions such as cognitive decline and depression.
The glittering event at the Engine Works in Glasgow saw the Scottish Government’s Minister for Equalities, Kaukab Stewart MSP, call for greater awareness of the issue of loneliness, and agree on the importance of pubs as crucial places in communities where people can come together.
She said: “Loneliness is a serious issue effecting many of us, and one that can lead to serious health issues. The Scottish Government is committed to addressing it and has a dedicated strategy in place, recognising loneliness as a public health issue. It can affect anyone, at any time of their life.
“Companies such as Heineken UK, are making a significant contribution by raising awareness of the issue to millions of people and by helping fund charities, such as the Marmalade Trust, which are making a real impact on people’s lives.”
James Crampton, Corporate Affairs Director for HEINEKEN UK says: “By their very nature, local pubs are a home from home, and vital places in communities for people to make social connections. For some, that half a pint a week on a Thursday night in their local might be their only meaningful social connection. Pubs are at the heart of communities. They are places where we meet family and friends, make new connections, laugh, share problems, and build bonds.
“The money raised for the Marmalade Trust will help them continue their purpose of raising awareness of loneliness and how it can affect every one of us, and putting in place ways to help people.”
Hatty Goodwin, Chair of Trustees for Marmalade Trust said: “As we celebrate the second year of our partnership with HEINEKEN UK I want to thank them for their incredible work for Marmalade Trust! Their support has enabled us to double in size and expand both our regional programmes and the national and international reach of Loneliness Awareness Week. Coming together for a phenomenal charity ball our partnership really embodies the joy of community and social connection. The funds raised enable our work to empower those experiencing chronic loneliness and to lead the conversation on loneliness at a national level, advocating to reduce stigma and change the public image, acknowledging that loneliness can, and does, affect us all at any age. Thank you HEINEKEN UK - it is a joy to continue our partnership with you.”
Photo attached.
Left to right: James Crampton, corporate affairs director, HEINEKEN UK; Kaukab Stewart MSP; Bob Doris MSP; Boudewijn Haarsma, managing director HEINEKEN UK.