In April 2024 Trade Goods was the headline sponsor for the Aldingbourne Trust Food4Thought charity dinner.
Aldingbourne Trust is an award-winning charity supporting adults with learning disabilities and/or autism to lead independent lives.
They support over 1,500 people within social enterprises: providing opportunities for learning, connecting with the community, reducing reliance on government funding, increasing links to businesses, and supporting people into employment.
Challenges and uncertainty in social care were intensified by the pandemic in 2020 and 86% of people with a disability would like a job, yet only 5.1% are employed.
The Aldingbourne Trust showcased cinema screenings of Channel 4’s “Kitchen Impossible” series, starring chef Michel Roux Jr, to staff, volunteers, and the people they support. Many people were energised and motivated to make their dreams become a reality – and the idea of “Food4Thought” was born.
They teamed up with four of Michel Roux’s chefs from the series who worked alongside them, inspiring people to follow their dreams. Food4Thought showcased the impactful work that they do supporting people into employment and provided 14 people with the opportunity of paid work at the event.
The evening consisted of a delicious three course meal cooked by the individuals followed by a fabulous raffle. It was a true honour to be able to sponsor such an amazing cause and to be involved in this experience which I know all of us at Trade Goods will never forget.
A message from Abigail Rowe at Aldingbourne Trust:
“Your headline sponsorship and generous donation of numerous fabulous raffle prizes were a major contributor to the event. Of the £8,555 raised on the night, £4,140 was raised through the raffle which is due to the amazing prizes that were on offer. So, with all the prizes donated, tickets to the event you brought and your headline sponsorship, you will recognise that it simply wouldn’t have been such a success without you!”
