Stout defence: Kilkenny bar staff and elderly affected by Covid-19 to benefit from €1.5m Guinness fund
Kilkenny bar staff and vulnerable elderly people affected by the Covid-19 crisis are to benefit from a €1.5 million fund set-up by Guinness.
The fund will see €1.2 million go to support those working in the pub trade while another €300,000 is to be given to elderly vulnerable people through a partnership with ALONE.
“We have been supporting the licensed trade in the last week through what is an unprecedented period as we all work together to keep people safe through the closure of licensed premises across the country,” Oliver Loomes, Country Director of Diageo Ireland said.
“Today we are announcing an additional support of €1.5 million, including €1.2 million to bar staff, and we will be working with our partners in the trade, The Licensed Vintners Association and Vintners’ Federation of Ireland (VFI), on how we can support bar staff to maximum effect using this funding in what is a very fast-moving situation.”
Donall O’Keeffe, CEO, Licensed Vintners Association said “These are unprecedented times and it’s important that we pull together and show solidarity among the bar community. In addition the funding for services for older people is much needed and builds on the partnership that we already have in place with ALONE and Guinness addressing isolation among our elderly community.”
In addition to its additional funding of €300,000 for ALONE, Guinness is also asking staff members to pledge time to support the charity’s Befriending service.
