How Our Menus Support South West Charities
A t St Austell Brewery, we have long been committed to giving back to the communities that surround our pubs. At the heart of this commitment sits our Charitable Trust.
Since its launch in 2003, the St Austell Brewery Charitable Trust has raised over £850,000 for charities, good causes, and individuals in need across the South West.
As we celebrate the launch of our new autumn and winter menus, here’s a look at how the Trust works and how you, through dining at one of our pubs, are helping us support others.
What is the Charitable Trust?
The St Austell Charitable Trust is funded by contributions from the brewery, along with donations and money raised through fundraising events held by our head office, depot, pub teams, and free trade customers. One of our biggest fundraisers since the Trust first launched is the annual Celtic Beer Festival. Held in the Brewery cellars, the event has so far generated more than £200,000.
Where does the money go?
We donate funds to charities big and small across the South West, as well as individuals in need. Our Charities of the Year for 2022 include:
The Marine Conservation Society – a UK charity campaigning for a cleaner, better-protected, healthier ocean. The charity tackles threats to habitats and species by working closely with communities, businesses, and governments, organising beach cleans and shaping government policy.
The Air Ambulances of Cornwall, Devon, and Somerset – When every minute matters, air ambulances can be the difference between life and death. They rely on the public to fund lifesaving missions, so they can keep more families together.
Only a Pavement Away – helps people facing or experiencing homelessness, prison leavers, and veterans, by placing them in long-term, stable employment in the hospitality industry. By 2024, the charity is aiming to create more than 700 jobs within the hospitality sector.
Other charities supported by the Trust include the RNLI, Children’s Hospice South West, Macmillan Cancer Support, and many others. Over a third of all money raised is donated to individuals and small local groups across the region. These donations varied from small local charities to individual pieces of equipment like wheelchairs which have transformed people’s lives.
O ur Charities of the Year for 2022 work to safeguard the environment and people in need across the South West and beyond.
How do the menus help?
For every portion of fish & chips sold, we donate 25p to the St Austell Brewery Charitable Trust. This classic dish is the most popular choice on our menus and generates a healthy donation to the Trust each year. It tastes delicious too! As we’re based in the South West, our chefs have access to outstanding, locally caught fish. Our latest catches are supplied by Matthew Stevens, based in the Cornish seafood haven of St Ives.