Around 950 guests joined BDCI festival chairman, Jim Sydenham, at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel for the highlight of the BDCI’s fundraising activity, the Annual Festival Dinner.
Welcoming the guests, Jim said: “The BDCI was founded 184 years ago in 1828, when King George the IV was on the throne and our Prime Minister was The Duke of Wellington. Yet despite its age, it remains as relevant today as it ever was, supporting people in our industry who need help in times of difficulty.
“Last year the expenditure on charitable activity was close to a quarter of a million pounds and it was used to support people of all ages, in very different circumstances, from different parts of the country. In fact the only thing these people have in common is a connection to the meat trade and a need for support of some kind. I am sure there are many more people either currently working in, or retired from our industry, who could benefit from our help. Please, if you know of anyone who could benefit from assistance, make sure you tell them about us.”
“Total funds raised at the Festival Dinner this year have still to be finalised, but I would like to thank everyone who came along to support our fundraising events and especially those who very generously donated prizes.”
Join the Buddy Scheme
He added: “By far the biggest challenge faced by the BDCI is to make the work of the charity much more visible within our industry. We are actively looking for people working within the meat trade who are prepared to join our Buddy Scheme and become an ambassador for the BDCI within their own company. If you think you can help, please talk to us or visit the BDCI website.”
Andrew Garvey of the BDCI told Meat Management: "I'm delighted with the response from the industry in the current commercial environment. The introduction of the 'ibid' system generated a real buzz, with a competitive element developing between bidders. All in all a great event."
The live auction featured six lots supported by major industry players including ABP, Cranswick, Fairfax Meadow and Oakfield. A raffle prize of a brand new Volkswagen ‘Up!’ was also generously donated by Dovecote Park and Interfood Technology.
For more information on the Buddy Scheme or for details on how to apply for a grant, visit the website www.bdci.org.uk, contact the BDCI by phone on 01727 896094 or via e-mail info@bdci.uk.com.
This story was originally published on a previous version of the Meat Management website and so there may be some missing images and formatting issues.
