Pontefract pub the Malt Shovel raises over £14,000 for local causes through community charity drive
A pub in West Yorkshire has successfully raised over £14,000 for charities and local organisations through a community fundraising drive.
The Malt Shovel, in Pontefract, has spent the last year raising funds to support local causes by bringing together customers, local businesses, and the wider community.
With a packed calendar of fundraising events, the pub - run by Rob and Sammie Mirfin - has attracted more than 100 individual donations from generous patrons and supporters, raising over £14,000.
Part of pub owner Craft Union’s nationwide Make It A Million campaign, the charity drive has supported a range of causes, including the Pontefract Family Centre, CoppaFeel, Piper’s Pathway, as well as over 50 individuals and families in need across Pontefract.
Operators Rob and Sammie said: “Everything we do comes down to giving something back to the customers, businesses and local community who support us 365 days a year.
“Our regulars are incredible, they always get involved, they’re not shy about grabbing a bucket and going round collecting for a good cause, and that’s what makes all of this possible.”
Fundraising highlights at the pub included a 24-hour sponsored cycle for CoppaFeel, a large charity night in support of Pontefract Family Centre, charity actions and regular fundraising through weekly events.
Rob and Sammie continued: “Even though we only contribute a small fraction of [the £1 million] total, it’s amazing to be part of something so big and to know we’re doing what we can to help our local community.
“We’re genuinely super proud of all the pub operators and regional management across Craft Union who get involved and make this possible.”
The fundraising is part of Craft Union’s Make It A Million campaign, which has now raised more than £1.35 million for charity nationwide for the second year running.