Dublin Publicans announce community charity initiative with ALONE with ambition to raise €200k for ALONE’S ‘Befriending Network’
The Licensed Vintners Association, which represents Dublin publicans has announced details of a new community initiative with Diageo and ALONE, the charity that supports older people living on their own at home. The LVA, which has 600 members, is marking its 200th anniversary this year and has an ambition to raise €200,000 for the charity through the fundraising initiative.
ALONE, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, is a national organisation that supports older people to age at home by providing community engagement programmes and other services to address social isolation among the elderly. The valuable work the charity’s staff and its 500 active volunteers provides, depends on public support with 100% of all donations going directly to providing services to older people in need.
To support the initiative, Guinness has brewed a limited edition beer, ‘Dublin Amber Pale Ale’. A joint donation of fifty cent for each pint of ‘Dublin Amber’ sold in participating pubs will be made to ALONE (Charity No. CHY8259) by Guinness and the publican to support the expansion of its ‘Befriending Network’. The aim of the network is to enhance the lives of older people by introducing them to volunteer ‘Befrienders’ who will provide them with much needed companionship.
The CEO of the LVA, Donall O’Keeffe said the members wanted to give something back to the city. “The LVA is one of the oldest trade associations in the country and since its foundation in 1817 has played a hugely important role in the social, business and cultural life of our capital city. It was really important for our members that we mark the bicentenary with a significant charity initiative, to give something back to Dublin.”
“Community has always been at the heart of the Dublin pub, and we are delighted that we are able to support the important work ALONE does in helping older people to stay in their homes and remain active in the local community.”
Welcoming the initiative Seán Moynihan, CEO of ALONE, said the funds raised for the ‘Befriending Network’ would help the organisation reach out to the 1 in 10 older people who experience chronic loneliness.
“Staying connected with their communities is vital for older people living alone. Meeting and socialising with old friends, meeting new ones, encourages and motivates our older people to remain active. The local pub provides a focal point for community events and a place outside of the home for older people to make connections with people from their local area.”
‘Dublin Amber’ will be available on draught in hundreds of pubs across Dublin from March 2017 for a limited time.