GroceryAid Sporting Lunch raises record £760,000

GroceryAid’s Sporting Lunch, which took place on Friday (11 November), raised more than £760,000 for the trade charity.

The record-breaking fundraising amount for the lunch was achieved as the event moved to a new venue, InterContinental London – The O2. With 1600 guests, the lunch was also supported by 30 sponsors and 294 companies, the largest number in the event’s history.

“GroceryAid anticipates an increase in demand for its services over the next 12 months, so this industry support means we can continue providing free and confidential welfare support to grocery colleagues in need,” Steve Barnes, GroceryAid chief executive, said.

“Last year, we experienced a 61 per cent increase in incidences of support compared to the previous year and we expect this trend to continue.”

Guests enjoyed an afternoon of entertainment, hosted by Sky Sports presenter Natalie Pinkham and former international Rugby player Martin Bayfield. The hosts were joined by 32 sporting heroes, past and present, for an afternoon of engaging panel discussions.