Following the opening of their latest restaurant in Dundee on Monday, Boozy Cow founder and philanthropist Garreth Wood has announced that a further five charities would receive a share of profits from the brand.
Wood said Boozy Cow would now include Hot Chocolate Trust, Mid-Lin Day Care, Dundee Woman’s Aid, Art Angel and Help for Kids in its profit sharing, bringing the number of good causes the company is currently supporting to eighteen.
Last month, the foundation announced it was giving away £210,000 in profits to charities including CHAS, The Archie Foundation and the Youth and Philanthropy Initiative in Edinburgh, with almost half a million pounds given away since the company opened its first venue in Aberdeen in 2014.
Wood added that the response from people in Dundee had been overwhelming, he said: “I’ve never before experienced such intense interest in a venue. People have been trying to book tables, phoning up about jobs. We’ve even had enquiries about corporate functions. I’m immensely excited about our new Dundee venue, as are our staff, and it’s clear the people of Dundee are, too.
“The charities we’ve partnered with do outstanding work in Dundee, from supporting disadvantaged children and young people to providing care to elderly people and helping women who have suffered from domestic abuse. I’m proud that we at Boozy Cow are donating our profits to help these fantastic causes.”
A spokeswoman for Dundee Woman’s Aid said: “Dundee Woman’s Aid is absolutely delighted to have been chosen to partner with the Boozy Cow. This news came totally out the blue for us and our partnership will undoubtedly have a positive impact in improving services for the women, children and young people experiencing domestic abuse in Dundee.”
Charis Robertson of Hot Chocolate Trust said: “Hot Chocolate Trust is deeply committed to supporting young people in Dundee to thrive. It was encouraging and humbling to receive the phone call from the Boozy Cow last week, telling us we had been nominated as one of their charity partners.
“Their business model and philanthropic vision is incredibly inspiring, and their financial support comes at an ideal time for Hot Chocolate Trust as we seek to develop and strengthen the work we do with young people. We took some young people to the opening event and we were all blown away by the food, milkshakes, atmosphere and the brilliant staff.
“We are very excited to partner with the Boozy Cow in the months and years ahead, to together make a real difference in the lives of young people in Dundee.”
Irene Sutherland of Mid-Lin Day Care said: “This partnership will contribute to our on-going support of service users who attend the centre and assist us in the continued development of the charity.”
Wood said Boozy Cow had poured significant investment into their new restaurant at the former Laing’s bar site in Roseangle, a well known Dundee landmark, adding that the business had overhauled the building and revamped the legendary beer garden, he said: “I think people will particularly love our incredible beer garden, which boasts some spectacular views across the Tay, with plenty of room for people to enjoy a meal or some drinks on those all too precious sunny days, knowing that they’re helping give money to a local charity.
“Since we opened the first Boozy Cow, I’ve been overwhelmed by people’s excitement and generosity about our mission. I think one of the reasons we’ve built up such a loyalty with our customers is because they like coming to our venues knowing that the profits are going to benefit an organisation in their area.”
