Charity raises a glass to support
Frank Burgerseed (front left) of The Venue, hands over £2025 to Fran McGrath, operations manager and members of the Perth and District YMCA Revellers enjoying a night out in Perth are helping to boost local charities at the same time.
St John Street bar The Venue has opted to donate proceeds from entry fees to its upstairs nightclub to good causes.
The first recipient was Perth and District YMCA, which received more than £2000 to put towards the coordination of a mental health awareness campaign.
Franny McGrath, Perth and District YMCA’s operations manager, thanked The Venue’s owner Frank Burger-seed for the kind gesture.
He said the campaign, called ‘#IAMWHOLE’, is a partnership between and YMCA and the NHS which seeks to break down perceived barriers associated with mental health difficulties.
It is fronted by musician Jordan Stephens – of Rizzle Kicks – and has received backing from the likes of TV hosts James Corden and Dermot O’Leary, as well as pop star and Glastonbury headliner Ed Sheeran.
Franny said: “Frank decided this was an opportunity to give local charities a lifeline and rather than keeping the cash for himself, and he has selflessly donated the first month’s taking to us. Other charities will also benefit from this as a different one will be chosen each month.
“At Perth and District YMCA, our aim is the progression and development of young people which means building positive, trustful relationships with disengaged and vulnerable young people with the purpose of giving them ‘somewhere to go, something to do and someone to talk to’.”
Franny added: “We deliver youth work services and support programmes to those aged between eight and 25 years of age, often from vulnerable and disadvantaged families who face multiple and complex barriers to economic, social and education inclusion.
“These include those with mental health issues, ex-offenders and those who have been homeless. Although based in Perth services are delivered across the entire local authority area and engaging with young people in rural area experiencing ‘access’ deprivation.
“We have a long established relationship with Frank and are truly humbled by his generosity.
“Over the course of the year he will be donating around £30,000 to local charities, money that he could have invested into his business.
“This considerable donation will go a long way in helping us to help young people build a positive future.”