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The Restaurant Association of Ireland (RAI) and Paddy Irish Whiskey have come together to create Ireland’s largest virtual tip jar to support the hospitality industry during these challenging times. They have started an initiative to support these workers via a GoFundMe page and are calling on the public to “tip their bar staff and hospitality workers.” Anything that the public generously donates up to the value of €15,000, will also be matched by the RAI and Paddy Irish Whiskey.

The impact of COVID-19 for businesses has been serious, but it is undeniable that the hospitality industry has been hit hard during this time.  Without the right support in place, this industry will have long term structural damage resulting in economic loss, damage to the brand of Ireland, and damage to our social fabric.

They are calling on the public to join them in filling Ireland’s Largest Tip Jar to help bartenders and hospitality workers manage through the uncertain times ahead.  A GoFundMe page has been set up that you can donate to from today, the 22nd June 2020.

Adrian Cummins, CEO of The Restaurant Association of Ireland said, “Too many of our restaurants are facing closure, and supports need to be put in place for this industry. Many staff members are struggling to get by without a salary coming in and are surviving solely on government supports. By creating Ireland’s Largest Tip Jar our aim is to offer some much-needed help to the bartenders and hospitality workers of Ireland.”

George Roberts, Country Manager with Paddy Irish Whiskey Ireland, added that, “This is a challenging time for the hospitality sector and we want to play our part in supporting them as much as we can. While we may not be able to get out and support our local bars and restaurants right now, we can still tip and show our support. Paddy Irish Whiskey’s heritage is in the hospitality sector has been a part of Ireland’s social fabric for generations and we want to say thank you to the hospitality industry for allowing us to be a part of it.  Now it is our turn to help them when they need it most, so we would strongly encourage anyone to please join us in filling Ireland’s Largest Tip Jar by giving what you can.”

Bartenders and Hospitality Workers can apply for this funding via an online application process.  Once you have ensured you meet the application criteria, you can submit an application form to benevolentfund@rai.ie.

This is the first initiative of its kind in Ireland. For more information on criteria please visit

https://www.rai.ie/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/RAI-Ben-Fund-Criteria.pdf

And for more information on applications please visit

https://www.rai.ie/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/66261-RAI-Benevolent-Fund-Application-Form.pdf