11th January 2021

Leading food company apetito has donated £20,000 to Alzheimer's Support as a recognition of the vital work it does for people affected by dementia in Wiltshire.

The food company has supported Alzheimer's Support as its charity partner since 2016, with regular significant donations and by encouraging staff to volunteer in day clubs and other services. 

apetito chair and CEO Paul Freeston said: “2020 has been an incredibly challenging year and we fully appreciate that this year, more than ever, every penny counts to help those in greatest need. When Covid first appeared, few of us foresaw the impact it would have on our lives.

“Normally, our company supports a number of team and customer Christmas social events which cannot take place this year due to Covid restrictions. Instead, we have decided to redirect these funds - and much more - into making a real difference to some of those most affected by Covid.”

How apetito's donation will help people with dementia

Alzheimer's Support CEO Babs Harris said: "We are thrilled to receive this very generous donation which will make a real difference to the support we are able to provide in Wiltshire. It has been a tough year for all charities as our finances have been affected by the pandemic and is so, so needed. 

“We are very proud of our partnership with apetito. The company is committed to helping people live well with dementia and has a deep and genuine understanding of our work. We love that employees volunteer alongside us in our day clubs and other services, gaining that insight.

“Strong connections have been built as a result and when apetito employees fundraise for us, whether it is doing a skydive or running a cake stall, they know at first hand the positive impact of their efforts."

In 2020, for the fourth consecutive year, the company provided all the food for the charity's gala dinner for more than 100 people living with dementia and their carers. During the pandemic apetito continued to offer support, providing ploughman's lunches to more than 200 home support clients during the charity's cream tea week in July. And when Alzheimer's Support's three day clubs reopened at the end of August, apetito provided free meals for the first six weeks, plus staff member Sam pictured above, who joined the team bubble to free club staff from kitchen duties.

Babs added: "apetito really came through for us in 2020. This is corporate social responsibility at its best. Thank you apetito.”