To mark 200 years of the capitals’ bars, Dublin publicans have come together to raise €200,000 for ALONE, the charity that supports older people to age at home.
The Licensed Vintners Association (LVA), which represents Dublin publicans, celebrated its bicentenary in 2017 and said it is delighted to have hit this fundraising milestone - the largest fundraising donation in ALONE’s 40 year history.
To raise the funds, the LVA’s 550 members embarked on a number of fundraising initiatives, including a partnership with Diageo to create Guinness Dublin Amber, which was sold in Dublin pubs for a limited period with 50 cent from each pint going to ALONE (25 cents from the publican and 25 cents from Guinness). Over the course of the past 9 months, 277,628 pints of Dublin Amber have been sold to contribute to the overall total. The LVA expressed its thanks to Diageo for their support of this initiative.
As well as this, individual pubs organised their own fundraising events from sponsored walks to charity auctions and voluntary donations which allowed the publicans to hit the total of €200,000.
Sean Moynihan, CEO of ALONE, said, "This wonderful contribution from the publicans of Dublin has exceeded all our expectations and is the largest fundraising donation ALONE has ever received.
"These funds will contribute greatly to our goal of doubling the amount of ALONE housing for older people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. It will also help us to recruit and train volunteers who will bring company, support and joy to older people in our community. The LVA’s donation will leave an enduring legacy which will benefit some of the most vulnerable people in our society for years to come.”
Meanwhile, LVA chairman John Gleeson commented, "This is a unique initiative in that we aimed from the outset to raise €200,000 to celebrate our 200 years, in order to give back to people in our local communities, through the essential work of ALONE. We loved engaging with our customers on this initiative throughout the year and are delighted that we have hit our target to give back to those most deserving – the elderly.”
As well as housing infrastructure, the money raised will also go to ALONE’s volunteer befriending service for older people who are lonely or socially isolated.
