The COVID-19 pandemic has hit all Canadians hard, not the least of which are workers in the food and hospitality sector.
In an effort to provide support to displaced workers in this sector, Corby Spirit and Wine Limited is donating $10,000 to the Canadian Professional Bartenders Association Relief Measures Fund.
“The workers in the food and hospitality sector are the foundation of our industry and we remain committed to supporting these employees across Canada.” said Patrick O’Driscoll, Chief Executive Officer of Corby. “Over the last several weeks we have rolled out several initiatives in an effort to make a difference by providing education opportunities and financial assistance. This donation to the CPBA is another way we are hoping we can help those who are important to us.”
The hospitality sector has been reeling since the COVID-19 outbreak reached Canada. As one of the first industries to feel its impacts, Restaurants Canada estimates some 800,000 bartenders, servers, hosts and kitchen staff have been put out of work since March 1 as restaurants and bars across the country have been forced to shut down or, at the very least, offer patrons take-out only options.
That equates to about two-thirds of the workforce in the foodservice sector being put out of work — and does not include hotel and lodging staff who have also been laid off.
The Canadian Professional Bartenders Association aids bartenders who have fallen under serious financial hardship. For more information or to donate to the Fund, please visit www.canadianbartenders.ca
