Vacherin team raises £32,500 for Luminary Bakery through Three Peaks Challenge

A team from London caterer Vacherin has raised £32,500 for the Luminary Charity and Luminary Bakery having conquered the Three Peaks Challenge.

The challenge was part of a series of events to celebrate the caterer’s 10-year partnership with Luminary. Vacherin sells Luminary Bakery goods at its sites, while also providing work placements for the disadvantaged women that the charity helps.

Some 40 team members from Vacherin’s sites and office took part in the challenge to scale the three highest peaks of Scotland, England and Wales, completing the tough task within 24 hours. 

The £32,500 they raised will go to support Luminary’s work in helping disadvantaged women – including those who have experienced homelessness, domestic abuse, violence or sexual exploitation – to rebuild their lives with training, employment and community support.

This year Vacherin has also co-funded Luminary Bakery’s central production kitchen, alongside sister brand Company of Cooks, which has increased its capacity and allowed its cakes and savoury bakes to be served in more sites. 

Luminary Charity interim chief executive Aoine Wilson said: “Not only do they [Vacherin] support us financially – their funding helped develop our beautiful training space – but through many other ways including mentoring and providing invaluable work opportunities. 

“This year, they’ve gone above and beyond by organising a series of incredible fundraising events in support of the Luminary Charity and Luminary Bakery – including a wonderful dinner at the Southbank Centre in May to the awe-inspiring Three Peaks Challenge in October. Their dedication has been nothing short of extraordinary. We truly cannot thank them enough for this remarkable partnership.”

Luminary Bakery managing director Leila Siassi added: “Thanks to the support of Vacherin and Company of Cooks we have opened a brand-new production kitchen – a space that allows us to increase capacity, take on more apprentices and serve even more customers across London. More recently we invested in a new electric vehicle to deliver our goods sustainably, reinforcing our commitment to the planet as well as to people.” 

Vacherin managing director Phil Roker said that it had been a privilege to work with Luminary Bakery and the Luminary Charity for the past 10 years. 

He added: “Through the wonderful art of baking, they are making a real difference. Their important work gives a safe space, opportunity and hope to women across the capital, at a time when they need it most. Everyone at Vacherin is incredibly proud to be part of the Luminary community and the team wholeheartedly embraced the call to make this milestone year in our partnership one to remember.

“All our fundraising activities represent a powerful celebration of purpose and teamwork for our people, and I’ve been blown away by their commitment and enthusiasm. This year’s programme has also given positively back to our team. We’ve benefitted from the sense of connection created from working towards a common cause, and the Three Peaks challenge, for example, brought people together, forged new friendships and boosted wellbeing.”