Edinburgh, UK – In the true spirit of the season, Gordon Ramsay Restaurants in Edinburgh have once again opened their hearts and kitchens for the ‘GReat Donate’ festive fundraiser. This annual initiative, aimed at supporting the Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus (SBH) charity, has returned with even more enthusiasm after its successful debut last year.
The festive fundraiser kicked off during the 2022 holiday season, coinciding with the grand opening of Gordon Ramsay’s Street Burger restaurant in the St James Quarter. The community response was overwhelming, resulting in a generous donation of £15,642. Notably, Gordon and Tana Ramsay, the renowned restaurateurs, further demonstrated their commitment by matching the funds, providing SBH Scotland with a substantial financial boost.
Building on last year’s success, this year’s initiative involves a simple yet impactful approach. A voluntary donation of £1 will be added to diners’ bills at Ramsay’s Bread Street Kitchen & Bar at St Andrew Square and Street Burger at St James Quarter until the end of December. The funds raised will go directly to SBH Scotland, a charity dedicated to providing crucial support to over 4,000 individuals across Scotland affected by the lifelong and complex conditions of spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus.
Gordon Ramsay’s connection with SBH Scotland dates back to 2003 when he became the charity’s first-ever Honorary Patron. The serendipitous encounter occurred during the Great North Run when he crossed paths with Dr Margo Whiteford CBE, the organization’s chairperson. Over the past two decades, Gordon Ramsay has been a steadfast supporter, contributing not only through financial means but also by actively participating in events and initiatives.
A spokesperson from Gordon Ramsay’s restaurants expressed their enthusiasm for supporting SBH Scotland, stating, “SBH Scotland is a fantastic charity that makes a real difference in the lives of so many families across Scotland affected by spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus. We’re delighted to bring back our Festive Fundraiser to our Bread Street Kitchen & Bar and Street Burger restaurants in Edinburgh, and we hope our diners will be happy to make a small gesture this Christmas that’ll have a big impact on families across Scotland.”
Lawrence Cowan, the Chief Executive of SBH Scotland, expressed gratitude for Gordon and Tana Ramsay’s ongoing generosity, emphasizing the impact of their support. Cowan stated, “Over the years, Gordon has taken time out from his busy schedule to host gala dinners, launch appeals including the campaign to build our Family Support Centre, and personally meet with the families we support. Right now, people need our support more than ever.”
He continued, “Christmas can be a difficult time, and with the burden of the cost-of-living crisis looming heavily in families’ lives, our finance, benefits, and specialist support services are needed more than ever. Through this campaign, people can help make sure that no one affected by spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus feels alone.”
Cowan emphasized the crucial role of donations in ensuring the continuation of their lifeline support services. Collaborating once again with the teams at Gordon Ramsay Restaurants holds significant meaning for SBH Scotland and the families they support. He extended gratitude to all the diners choosing to visit Bread Street Kitchen or Street Burger during this festive season, highlighting that every £1 donated makes a difference to a family in need.
Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Scotland, established in 1965 by a group of parents with firsthand experience of the challenges posed by spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus, has been a beacon of support for families navigating these complex conditions. Spina bifida, a spinal column fault causing incomplete vertebrae formation, and hydrocephalus, characterized by increased pressure on the brain, can lead to various physical and cognitive difficulties.
As the ‘GReat Donate’ festive fundraiser continues to unfold, it not only embodies the true essence of the holiday season but also serves as a testament to the power of community support. With each donation, Edinburgh residents and visitors alike have the opportunity to enjoy exceptional cuisine while contributing to a cause that touches the lives of thousands across Scotland. In the words of Lawrence Cowan, “It’s a chance to enjoy great food and support a great cause this Christmas.”
