A group of Aberdeen charities have gained a funding windfall after a philanthropist donated £210,000 in profits from his restaurant chain.
This is the second year that the Boozy Cow organisation – the concept developed by north-east businessman, Garreth Wood – has given away all its profits, with almost half a million pounds being donated to a variety of good causes, including The ARCHIE Foundation.
Mr Wood confirmed that five charities will receive a share of Boozy Cow’s future profits, benefiting from the proceeds of the group’s Langstane Place venue in Aberdeen, which reopens today after refurbishment.
Announcing the new charity partnerships, he said profits generated during the business’s current financial year would be going to Charlie House, Cash For Kids, Cornerstone, Grampian Autistic Society and Aberdeen Cyrenians.
Mr Wood added that the £210,000 in profits – in the year to October 2016 – would be shared among CHAS, the ARCHIE Foundation, the Youth and Philanthropy Initiative, Edinburgh and the STV Children’s Appeal.
He said: “We work very hard throughout the year to make our units as profitable as possible and we remain committed to giving 100% of our profits back to the local communities by directly supporting charities in the local areas.
“I am very proud of my team who work tirelessly to achieve this, and would like to thank our loyal customers who help to make this happen.”
Lisa Duthie, director of corporate relations and fundraising at Cornerstone, which provides services for adults and children with learning disabilities, responded: “Everyone at Cornerstone is delighted that we are working in partnership with the team at the Boozy Cow.
“We have already benefited from some of their team volunteering at one of our fundraising events and look forward to spending any monies raised to help the people Cornerstone supports to enjoy a valued life.
“Working alongside people, who share our values and are as passionate as us about what we do is priceless.”
Last year, Boozy Cow secured a string of awards, including Best Independent Bar, Best Newcomer and Highly Commended Heart of the Community, at the Best Bar None awards.