Fish and chip lovers from across Hull helped raise more than £1,200 for Sailors’ Children’s Society as Smales brought a taste of the seaside to the city centre for National Fish and Chip Day.
Held at The Rose Bowl in Queen’s Gardens as part of Humber Business Week, the event saw hundreds of people enjoy freshly cooked fish and chips in return for a donation to the charity, which supports children and families from seafaring backgrounds facing crisis across the UK.
The day was made possible thanks to the support of a number of businesses from across the fishing and fish and chip industries. Chippy Chat kindly donated the potatoes, while Mr Roberts Mobile Fish and Chips generously donated their time and expertise to cook and serve the food throughout the day.
Visitors also enjoyed free chip spice, donated by Wilson’s Seasonings and Friends on Every Street, with additional donations helping unlock prizes throughout the afternoon.
Bobby Joyce, Sales and Marketing Director at Smales, said:
“National Fish and Chip Day is always a fantastic opportunity to celebrate one of the nation’s favourite dishes, but for us it’s also about recognising and giving back to the people and communities who help put food on our tables every day.
“We’re incredibly proud to support Sailors’ Children’s Society and to see so many people come together to enjoy the day while raising money for such an important cause. A huge thank you to everyone who donated, attended and helped make the event such a success.”
Alongside the food, visitors were able to learn more about the charity’s history and impact, with team members on hand to talk about the work they do now.
Rio Beeson, Head of Fundraising and Marketing at Sailors’ Children’s Society, said:
“We’re incredibly grateful to Smales and everyone involved for their ongoing support. Raising more than £1,200 from a single lunchtime event is a fantastic achievement and every penny will help us continue supporting children and families from seafaring backgrounds who are facing crisis.
“One of the most memorable parts of the day was meeting former residents of our children’s homes who brought photographs and personal memories to share with the team. Listening to their stories and seeing the impact the charity had on their lives many years later was incredibly special. It was a powerful reminder that while our support may look different today, our mission of helping children and families through difficult times remains unchanged.”
Founded in Hull in 1821, Sailors’ Children’s Society provides financial, practical and emotional support to children and families from Royal Navy, Merchant Navy, fishing and offshore backgrounds who are experiencing hardship, bereavement, illness or family crisis.
