About Charity Week and what we’re doing:

For us, being ethical is about doing the right thing, not just saying it. We’re always looking for ways we can do more, whether it’s making cocoa fairer for farmers, taking care of our environment, or supporting a worthwhile charity. That's why we're launching our annual Charity Week from 7th-13th June.

Using the power of our people from our nationwide stores, head office and manufacturing teams we will be hosting a range of activities and events to support our chosen charity: the Trussell Trust.

What’s more, we’ll be supporting your local charities too. Our store teams have nominated local causes, no matter how big or small, that they’ll be using their events to fundraise for.

Together, with the donations that are made, we will help fund the vital work and support that that these charities provide.

As part of our charity week, our very own team at Hotel Chocolat have chosen to partner with the Trussell Trust whose work aligns with our own commitment to use our collective voice to call for change. We’re proud to support the Trussell Trust in working towards a Hunger Free Future, where no one will be forced to use a food bank because they can’t afford the essentials.

About the Trussell Trust:

Our Charity Week partner, the Trussell Trust, provides emergency food and support to people locked in poverty through a nationwide network of more than 1,200 food banks. Between 1st April 2020 and 31st March 2021, a record 2.5 million emergency food parcels were given to people in crisis by food banks in the Trussell Trust network. That’s a staggering 33% increase in need on the previous year, and almost a million of these parcels went to children.

Trussell Trust’s CEO, Emma Revie, “Food banks must never be the norm”

Richard’s story…

Having worked in the police force for six years, followed by 12 years in the Royal Military Police, Richard, 49, from New Milton, had always considered himself fit and healthy. However, this all changed when a chest infection quickly developed into a heart condition and he suffered a series of strokes, leaving him unable to work.

Richard’s situation deteriorated further when he separated from his wife and moved out of their family home, where, unfortunately due to this change of address his Employment Support Allowance was delayed. As a result of his serious heart condition Richard needs 35 tablets a day, but the cost of travelling to collect his prescriptions left him without enough money for food, and his local Citizens Advice referred him to the food bank.

At the moment things are still tough for Richard; he’s on the waiting list for a heart transplant and will be on medication for the rest of his life. But, he’s grateful that the food bank is available if he ever needs some extra help. Find out more about the Trussell Trust here

Engaged Ethics:

We don’t claim to have all the answers, but at home and away we’re always trying to do the right thing. Since 2002, our Engaged Ethics programme gives a fairer share of the financial rewards of chocolate back to the farmers who grow cacao, and do practical things to help change farmers’ lives for the better.

Read about our Engaged Ethics Programme here