Catering equipment plea to help charities in need

Two major manufacturers are urging others to join their campaign to donate surplus catering equipment to UK charities.

Hobart and Meiko have joined forces to encourage other manufacturers, suppliers and distributors to identify redundant and quality second-hand catering equipment that could benefit cash-strapped charities in need.

In the wake of the launch, the two companies have already donated £5,000 and are now calling on others to follow their example by pledging their support.

The momentum of the campaign is building as others begin to spread the word; the Foodservice Consultants Society International has offered its backing and welcomed the initiative while major catering organisations, the Catering Equipment Distributors Association and the Catering Equipment Suppliers Association, are also backing the campaign.

David Riley, Commercial Director at Hobart UK says: “The time is right for an industry initiative that gives deserving charities access to catering equipment that is not being used but is still perfectly serviceable. The campaign is growing in awareness but more still needs to be done. Our vision is to create a pool of second-hand catering equipment that charities can access for their own needs – we’re calling on the industry to help make this a reality.”

Bill Downie, Meiko UK MD, said: “All manufacturers and distributors have equipment that is redundant but otherwise in perfectly good order. There may be some value that could be recouped via the second- hand or scrap metal market but we would rather see this equipment put to good use to support genuine UK charities that receive little or no public funding.

“Many UK catering equipment suppliers and distributors already support charities, of course, but we want everybody involved in equipment supply to come together to create a professionally run, nationally recognised service.”

 Those interested in getting involved and making a difference should contact:

Dave Riley

Hobart UK

Southgate Way

Orton Southgate

Peterborough

PE2 6GN

Email: David.riley@hobartuk.com

Tel: 07967 747208

Bill Downie

Meiko UK Limited

393 Edinburgh Avenue

Slough

Berkshire

SL1 4UF

Email: BDownie@meiko-uk.co.uk

Tel. 07836 581606