Thanks to the generosity of international restaurant and bar chain, D&D London and its customers, we have been given a staggering £12,605.77 to help support our Grants Programme, a service which is totally focused on helping and supporting vulnerable, older people living throughout England and Wales who are State Pension age and living on low incomes.
Throughout January and February, D&D London raised the important funds to support Friends of the Elderly through its Invisible Soup initiative. Throughout all of its restaurants, D&D London had an Invisible Soup option on the menu. When a customer ordered the Invisible Soup, no soup was actually served, but a donation went directly to the Charity.
“We’re so proud to support such a fantastic cause and to see the real impact Friends of the Elderly has on those in need,” said Grace Harvey, Senior Brand & Communications Manager at D&D London. “Everyone deserves to stay warm and well, especially during winter, and knowing that our fundraising has helped provide essentials like heating, hot water and warm clothing is incredibly rewarding. A huge thank you to our guests for their generosity and to our team for their engagement – it’s made a real difference.”
“D&D London’s amazing donation of £12,605.77 will make an immediate difference to the lives of desperate older people and enable them to afford basic essentials to keep them warm and well, including help with fuel costs, boiler repairs, insulation, bedding and clothes,” added Tracey Franklin, our Grants Development Manager.
Iris*, 73, a Grant Recipient, added: “It’s a real situation, where you really do have to choose whether to eat or heat your home. I don’t know what I would have done without Friends of the Elderly, there was no one I could turn to for help. I am eternally grateful.”
“We are delighted to have had D&D London’s support this winter. Their customers’ donations went directly to our Grants Programme and helped older people in desperate financial need. For many, we are their last resort, and these contributions have made a real difference in their lives,” continued Mark Wilson, Interim co-Chief Executive at Friends of the Elderly.
“We are extremely grateful to everyone at D&D London and its customers for their amazing fundraising efforts this winter, thank you so much,” concluded Tracey.
*Name changed for confidentiality