Pontefract Pub Celebrates Major Charity Fundraising Success
A community pub in Pontefract is celebrating a remarkable achievement after raising more than £14,000 for charities, organisations, and individuals over the past year. This effort has played a crucial role in helping the Craft Union Pub Company surpass £1 million for charity for the second consecutive year, highlighting the vital role local pubs play in supporting their communities.
Community Spirit Drives Fundraising Efforts
The Malt Shovel, operated by Rob and Sammie Mirfin, has dedicated the past year to uniting customers, local businesses, and the wider Pontefract community to support causes that matter deeply to residents. With over 100 individual donations made through a packed calendar of fundraising events, the pub has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to giving back. As part of Craft Union's nationwide Make It A Million campaign, the pub has supported a diverse range of causes, including the Pontefract Family Centre, Prince of Wales Hospice, CoppaFeel, the Royal British Legion, RNLI, and Piper's Pathway, as well as more than 50 individual people and families in need across the town.
Highlights of the Fundraising Activities
Fundraising highlights at the Malt Shovel have included a 24-hour sponsored cycle for CoppaFeel, which saw staff and customers come together in a memorable community effort. Other key events featured a large-scale charity night in support of the Pontefract Family Centre, charity auctions, and regular fundraising through the pub's popular 'Winging It Wednesdays'. During these weekly games, customers have the chance to win up to £1,000 while simultaneously raising money for good causes, blending entertainment with philanthropy.
The pub has also stepped in to provide direct support during difficult times, including Christmas Day giveaways, cost-of-living assistance for locals out of work, and fundraising for families facing unexpected hardship. Regular patrons often lead collections themselves, showcasing the strong sense of community and generosity that defines the Malt Shovel.
Operators Reflect on Community Impact
Rob and Sammie, the operators of the Malt Shovel, expressed their pride in the pub's contributions. They stated, "Everything we do comes down to giving something back to the customers, businesses, and local community who support us 365 days a year. Our regulars are incredible; they always get involved, they're not shy about grabbing a bucket and going round collecting for a good cause, and that's what makes all of this possible."
They added, "We're really glad to be involved in Craft Union reaching over £1 million for charity for the second year running. Even though we only contribute a small fraction of that total, it's amazing to be part of something so big and to know we're doing what we can to help our local community. We're genuinely super proud of all the pub operators and regional management across Craft Union who get involved and make this possible."
National Context and Broader Impact
The Malt Shovel's efforts are part of a much wider national picture, with every Craft Union pub across the UK contributing to the Make It A Million total through local fundraising, donations, and volunteering time. Since February 2025, Craft Union Pub Company has raised £1,358,422 for charity nationwide, achieving the £1 million milestone for the second consecutive year. This success reinforces the vital role that community pubs play at the heart of towns and neighbourhoods across the country, serving as hubs for social connection and charitable action.
