Vintners fundraise for ex-servicemen

The Worshipful Company of Vintners hopes to raise £100,000 for a London-based charity next month, as it embarks on a Champagne walk through the region’s vineyards.

Liverymen, families and friends will embark on the 20km hike through the vineyards of Epernay next month, stopping off at Bollinger, Gosset, Joseph Perrier, Moët & Chandon and Pol Roger on the way.

Proceeds from the walk will be donated to Veterans Aid (VA), the charity which supports ex-servicemen in the form of accommodation and/or financial support.

Speaking on behalf of the Vintners, Richard Wilson said: “VA is unlike any charity we have known. It provides desperate people with what they need, when they need it, whether that need is for clothing, food, comradeship or accommodation.

“Its immediacy is what makes it stand out, and after seeing what it has achieved first hand, we chose to make it a beneficiary of our charity fundraising walk this year,” he added.

Speaking of his gratitude towards the vintners, former RAF officer Hugh Milory said: “We are honoured and delighted to be recipients of the Vintners’ generosity.

“Ironically alcohol is often the comfort of choice for the street homeless but the Vintners’ commitment to responsible drinking and community support has led to it making a significant and positive contribution to our work. Every penny received will go directly to those in need.”

The majority of the hoped £100,000 that is raised will go to the VA, with the remainder going towards the Vintners’ Company Charitable Foundation.

Jane Parkinson, 26.05.2010