Hospitality Action Week 2013

Hospitality Action is the trade charity offering a crucial lifeline to people of all ages, working and retired, from the hospitality industry. Whether approached by a chef, chambermaid, school cook or bar staff, Hospitality Action will endeavour to support, whatever the difficulty.

Each year, Hospitality Action helps more than 1,500 industry members across the UK who find themselves in crisis through no fault of their own. Whether they are suffering from illness, addiction, poverty, bereavement or domestic violence, Hospitality Action will lend their support.

As well as unique dinners and a membership scheme, the charity raises funds during its annual awareness week. This is the week when the entire industry is asked to join together and raise funds for Hospitality Action through a range of quick, easy and fun fundraising activities. From race nights to cake sales, garden tours to relaxing massages, this is the time when each sector of the industry, from hoteliers to chefs, restaurateurs to contract caterers is asked to pull together to support those in serious need.

This year will see Hospitality Action celebrate its fifth annual HA Week between May 13^th-19^th. Whether you’re an employee or managing director, HA Week is a great way to celebrate the sector we work in and remember those in real need at the same time. As well as a great team building exercise, the money raised makes a difference. Just £5 buys a retired industry worker a birthday gift and card - sometimes the only one they may receive.

There are many exciting ways to get involved including:

‘At your discretion’ appeal

Hotels, restaurants, pubs and bars, caterers and motorway services are encouraged to take part in ‘At your discretion’ – an innovative fundraising campaign that asks diners to donate an extra £1 to their bill in support of Hospitality Action. Michael Caines MBE, celebrated chef and patron of Hospitality Action, has generously endorsed the appeal, which raised more than £3,000 last year!

Open Garden Events

Whilst not only raising money for Hospitality Action, garden tours will bring a whole host of new visitors to each establishment that takes part. Hosting an event is very easy, with a suggested sum of £6-£8 per person as an entry fee in return for a simple beverage and cake, as well as the chance to tour your beautiful gardens.

London to Paris Cycle Challenge

Sign up to take part in a challenging cycle ride! This June budding cyclists have the option of riding 234 miles over 3 days or, for the super enthusiastic, how about cycling an incredible three 100-mile days all finishing at the Arc de Triomphe? Whichever route you choose, it’s time to step up a gear and hit the road on behalf of HA!

Other ideas include:

• Donating a percentage of any spa treatment, meal or room service charge to the charity


• Auctioning off your chef’s skills for a night to give customers the opportunity to host the ultimate dinner party


• Hosting a quiz night or fancy dress party


• A cake sale, car wash or treasure hunt!

The best fundraising picture/video sent into the charity will win two free tickets to a Hospitality Action event of your choice.

If the above has inspired you to take part then you mustn’t miss out on the fun!  Visit: www.hospitalityaction.org.uk/haweek for further information. To receive your free fundraising pack simply email fundraising@hospitalityaction.org.uk

Whether you raise £5 by collecting your loose change for the week or £5,000 by getting sponsored for a parachute jump, every penny counts.