Latest Whisky News - Chivas Brothers - Boosting charity funds at the double - 4th October, 2010

04.10.10 - Chivas Brothers employees have had their charity fundraising efforts boosted by £24,000 in the last year thanks to the company’s Doubling Up scheme.

Employees from across the company’s 31 sites – 28 of which are in Scotland – took part in a myriad of fundraising activities during Chivas Brothers’ last financial year, including marathons and races, climbing mountains, organising charity evenings and sponsored bike rides.

As part of the Chivas Brothers Charity and Sponsorship Policy, any employee can apply to have their fundraising efforts matched by the company up to £500 each year. Caring employees raised a total of £36,000 for good causes, which was boosted by a Chivas Brothers contribution of £24,000, and has benefited a wide selection of charities including Cancer Research, CHAS, Diabetes UK, Anthony Nolan and many more.

Manufacturing Engineering Manager David McVittie of Chivas Brothers’ Kilmalid site in Dunbartonshire braved the West Highland Way in aid of Balloch hospice Robin House and raised £530. The Doubling Up donation brought his fundraising total to £1,030. He said: “It took seven days to complete the 96 mile walk, but it was well worth the effort to know that the money would help seriously ill children and their families. The Doubling Up scheme is brilliant and gives employees like me an even bigger incentive to raise as much as we can.”

Chemistry Analyst Rachel Higgins of Glen Keith Technical Centre in Banffshire has raised thousands of pounds in charity races over the years and most recently took part in the London Marathon for Whizz-Kidz, which gives disabled children the chance to lead more independent lives. Rachel raised £1,700 for the cause, with Chivas Brothers adding a further £500. Rachel said: “Whizz-Kidz is such a brilliant charity so it’s great that my employer has helped me give them even more money to help continue their vital work.”

Communications Director Vanessa Wright said: “We are delighted to have doubled up the fundraising efforts of our employees who have taken the time to raise money for so many charities and organisations. This cash has benefited well-known causes and small local funds alike.

“Chivas Brothers is very proud of its commitment to the communities where our employees work and live, and we look forward to supporting their ongoing fundraising efforts in the future.”

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