Hospitality Action Week 2013: Industry urged to support charity's fifth Action Week

For over 170 years the charity has been working to support those who work, or have worked, in the industry and who find themselves in crisis. This year will be the fifth time the organisation has held an Action Week during which time the industry is encouraged to help raise funds for its most vulnerable employees.

"The past four HA Weeks have been jammed packed with supporters across the country doing their bit for the charity," said Penny Moore, Hospitality Action chief executive.

"From managing directors to college students, everyone has gone that extra mile and this year we really want to build on the momentum. Please do plan to carry out some fundraising for us this May. Whether you raise £5 by collecting your loose change for the week or £5K by getting sponsored to cycle to Paris, your contribution really will make an enormous difference to those in need."

Caines and Murchison​

Preparation for this year's event coincides with the launch of a new branding for the charity which includes a new logo and website featuring top tips on raising cash.

Hospitality Action Week 2012 was the biggest yet and this year the charity is hoping to go one further - it is calling on workers from all businesses, including catering colleges and contract caterers, to follow in the footsteps of some of last year's fundraisers. 

Alan Murchison got on his bike last July and joined a number of chefs, front-of-house staff and hotel managers who cycled from London to Paris,​ meanwhile Michael Caines asked diners to add a donation to their bill​ and Park Plaza Hotels also signed up seven of their venues to take part in the week.

Hospitality Action 2012:​

Top tips​

Hospitality Action spent more than £430k last year supporting 1,584 people, 34 per cent of whom were suffering from a serious illness and 35 per cent of whom were living in poverty.

This year the charity has put together a set of fundraising tips for those in the industry who are looking for ideas on how they could support Hospitality Action Week:

• Donate a penny for every pint sold during the week to Hospitality Action.
• Hold a quiz night, race night or fancy dress party.
• Automatically add a pound to each bill.
• Auction off the skills of your chef for a dinner party.
• Charge hotel guests for a luggage service.
• Host a pop-up restaurant for the week.
• Job swap - ask employees to sponsor the boss to take on their least favourite tasks.