New Zealand’s lockdowns have hit the hospitality industry hard, with many businesses feeling the financial pressures. So, pooling their resources and knowledge of the industry, Stoddart NZ and Restaurant & Cafe magazine have created an online auction called Hands Up 4 Hospo to help support affected businesses.
The auction will run on TradeMe over the coming weeks, with proceeds going to hospitality businesses through an online application process.
The initiative, led by Stoddart NZ, has been supported by its many suppliers who have stepped up to get behind the project, resulting in some exciting, innovative, and unique donated items going up for auction.
“Over the past eighteen months, our team have fielded many calls from suppliers asking how they could help business owners. Those hardest hit in terms of revenue losses caused by lockdowns,” says Tania Walters, publisher of Restaurant & Cafe magazine.
“Stoddart NZ have stepped up to support the project, and it is with their backing and resources that we have been able to get this project off the ground.
“Suppliers from across New Zealand, also impacted by the lockdowns, have generously given items for the auction to help raise funds,” adds Walters.
The funds from the auction are paid out on a share basis to hospitality businesses through an online application system managed by a panel of industry representatives from Stoddart NZ and Restaurant & Cafe magazine.
“This project is a collaboration of Kiwi businesses, those who acknowledge how big the struggle is for small business owners,” says Adrian Dixon, Country Manager of Stoddart NZ.
“We don’t know how much money we can raise, but even paying a power account for an operator at this stage would help,” adds Dixon.
Auctions are updated daily, and bidders can check out the latest offerings here.
“We ask that you consider supporting this project. It is a fundraiser for the hospo businesses that have been at the coalface of the lockdown, carrying the heavy load and cost of the pandemic. Keeping their business afloat and workers employed in emotionally, mentally and financially exhausting circumstances,” says Walters.
