Burton based pub company Punch Taverns has launched a new fund to support community initiatives throughout the region.

The Punch Community Spirit Project (PCSP) plans to make donations to a variety of organisations such as charities, schools, sports clubs, welfare groups and hospitals.  One of its first beneficiaries is East Staffordshire Gymnastics Club in Burton, which received £500 to help train club staff (see below for full details).

Punch’s group corporate affairs director Francis Patton said: “We have a proud history of supporting worthy causes on a national level, but as one of Burton’s major employers we are also keen to engage with the local community, which is the driving force behind this latest initiative.

“We have initially earmarked £85,000 for the project raised through various in pub and company activities.  Local organisations and groups can request a share to help with their work and the PCSP committee will meet every two months to discuss and approve grant applications.

“Going forward, all money raised by Punch Taverns employees will go into the project so we can continue supporting a range of good causes.”

Organisations wishing to apply for a grant should contact Punch outlining who they are, what they do, how much they need up to a maximum of £5,000 and what that money would be used for.  For more information or to discuss an application contact Sharon Wood on 01283 501 600 or Dot Lewis on 01283 545 320.

Punch Taverns is the UK’s largest pub company with 8,400 outlets nationwide.

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For further information please contact Nick Trueman at Seal Communications on 0121 200 0780.