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BA donates £40k to Book Trade Charity’s cost of living appeal
The Booksellers Association (BA) has donated £40,000 to the Book Trade Charity’s cost of living appeal, launched to support workers across the industry.
To coincide with its 185th anniversary, the charity is aiming to raise £185,000 to assist members of the industry as inflation soars and prices rise, particularly to help with heating homes, electricity bills and putting food on the table.
Vic Perry, chief executive of charity said: “This is a remarkable show of support at a time of real need. As a small charity we work hard every day to support colleagues across the trade, many of whom are facing rising costs at home. We are so grateful to The Booksellers Association for its unwavering belief in our work and helping us to support colleagues in need.”
During the first five months of 2022, the charity distributed grants of more £114,000 in response to requests for financial assistance from individuals and families in need, double the usual amount applied for at this time of the year. It has awarded more than £195,000 in grants this year and Perry stressed that without increased support from the sector it is possible that the charity will have no choice but to turn away eligible applicants in 2023, since demand for grants is likely to grow.
She said, despite new measures announced by the government, she fears it will be a difficult winter for many and encouraged every supporter, large and small, to get on board. She continued: “Every penny really will make a difference and it is no exaggeration to say that we need everyone in the sector to lean into this appeal.”
Meryl Halls, managing director of the BA, added: “The BA Group is delighted to be able to donate this sum to the Book Trade Charity and help boost its incredibly important campaign to raise £185,000 for its 185th anniversary. The economic dark clouds are already gathering and we remain concerned for the well-being of our members, and for booksellers across the country.
“We know that the Book Trade Charity will ensure our donation will help provide much-needed support and help for booksellers and other book trade personnel who struggle over the coming months, and we are full of admiration for what the charity has been able to do already, with limited funds.”
The charity is encouraging any willing company to pledge their support for the appeal and to get involved in fundraising.
