In a world where small businesses often face mounting challenges, Ulverston’s Shed One Distillery stands out as a shining example of how corporate social responsibility (CSR) can thrive even in tough times. Through their innovative and heartfelt initiative, the ‘Marmalade Fund,’ Andy and Zoe Arnold-Bennett, co-owners of the distillery, have shown that supporting local communities isn’t just good for society—it’s good for the soul.
Five Years of Support for Furness Homeless Support Group
For the fifth consecutive year, Shed One Distillery has partnered with the Furness Homeless Support Group (FHS), a Barrow-based charity dedicated to providing shelter, meals, and essential services to those in need. This Christmas, the distillery donated over £1,000 and hundreds of pounds worth of groceries to FHS, bringing their total contributions to the charity to more than £6,500 since 2019.
The charity, which offers supported accommodation and runs a weekly Day Centre providing midday meals and more, has been a cornerstone of community care in the Furness area. Shed One’s contributions have enabled FHS to continue their vital work, ensuring no one in the community feels unsupported, especially during the festive season.
The Marmalade Fund: A Sweet Solution to Giving Back
The ‘Marmalade Fund’ is a testament to Shed One’s creativity and commitment to sustainability. The fund is named after co-owner Zoe’s ingenious use of leftover citrus fruit from gin-making to produce gin jelly marmalade. For every jar sold, £2 is donated to the fund, which is further bolstered by proceeds from the distillery’s regular events.
This initiative not only minimizes waste but also maximizes community impact. Over the past year, the Marmalade Fund has supported more than 20 local groups, charities, and events, including partnerships with Cumbria Tourism and the Ulverston charity Ford Park to create a special botanical vodka for fundraising.
A Business with Heart
Despite the challenges faced by micro-businesses, Andy and Zoe have remained steadfast in their commitment to giving back. Their dedication has not gone unnoticed. In November, Shed One Distillery was honored with the ‘Best Community Involvement Award’ at the in-Cumbria Business Awards—a fitting recognition of their unwavering support for local causes.
Zoe Arnold-Bennett shared her gratitude:
“Supporting the local community and local charities has been one of our main priorities since we started Shed One. Despite growing challenges for micro-businesses like us, we’ve done what we can to raise much-needed funds for Furness Homeless Support Group and many other groups, charities, and local events. Of course, we couldn’t do this without the ongoing help and support of Shed One’s fabulous customers.”
A Ripple Effect of Goodness
Shed One’s impact extends far beyond Furness Homeless Support Group. Over the last year, their efforts have touched countless lives through partnerships and innovative fundraising initiatives. Their collaboration with Cumbria Tourism for its 50th anniversary year fundraising and with Ford Park to create a bespoke botanical vodka highlights their ability to blend creativity with philanthropy.
Looking Ahead: A Commitment to 2025
As 2025 approaches, Shed One Distillery shows no signs of slowing down. The Marmalade Fund will continue to raise funds for Furness Homeless Support Group, ensuring that the vital services they provide remain available to the community.
For those inspired by Shed One’s story, you can learn more about the Marmalade Fund and support their efforts by visiting: https://shed1distillery.com/marmalade-fund.
Key Takeaway
Shed One Distillery’s Marmalade Fund exemplifies how small businesses can create a profound impact on their communities. By combining creativity, sustainability, and a genuine desire to give back, Andy and Zoe Arnold-Bennett have turned their passion for gin-making into a force for good. Their story serves as a reminder that CSR is not just the domain of large corporations—it’s a responsibility and an opportunity for businesses of all sizes.
Let’s raise a glass to Shed One Distillery and their ongoing commitment to making the world a better place, one jar of marmalade at a time!
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