In association with… Barefoot Wines!

The Whitworth recently started working with the wonderful Barefoot Wines, contracting them to provide the wine for our After Hours events. As an organisation taking measures to be as green as possible in all we do, we were particularly drawn to Barefoot because of their strong ethical policies and because of the great work that they do in the community (as well as their fantastic selection of wine!)
We thought you might like to know a little bit more about Barefoot, and how they’re doing their bit for the environment…

What are Barefoot’s charitable affiliations?

Barefoot has long-standing roots in partnering with local charities across the country.  They have been actively involved in helping various not-for-profit organizations and charities– from the arts to environmental groups to educational organizations. 

What is Barefoot Wine doing to be “green?“

Barefoot supports a number of “green” non-for profit organisations.         

• Most notably, Barefoot Wine has a relationship with Surfers Against Sewage in the UK and Surfrider in continental Europe. In 2008, Barefoot Wine and Surfers Against Sewage teamed up to launch the Barefoot Wine Beach Rescue Project in the UK, a partnership dedicated to keeping Britain’s beaches “barefoot-friendly.”
• Barefoot has been supporting the efforts of Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) for four years and, in the US, the Surfrider Foundation for more than 15 years.
• In 2008, they launched the Barefoot Wine Beach Rescue Project, a national partnership with the Surfrider Foundation, to help keep America’s beaches “Barefoot-friendly.”
• Over the last  four years Barefoot have donated over £30,000 to SAS by way of sponsorship.  In addition, they have donated many wine prizes to SAS members and volunteers via the community events run in partnership with them.
• In 2011 they partnered with Surfrider and other green organizations in continental Europe to complete 15 beach and river clean ups.

What is the Barefoot Wine Beach Rescue Project?

The Barefoot Wine Beach Rescue Project was launched with the Surfrider Foundation to keep America’s beaches “barefoot-friendly”, and is now in its fourth year in the UK and first year in Germany and the Netherlands.  Barefoot Wine hosts celebrations in the local communities where they “rescue a beach” in an effort to raise awareness about the importance of having clean beaches for generations to come. 

This activity has been replicated in the UK for the past 4 years with Surfers Against Sewage and we now partner with Surfrider in Germany and the Netherlands. Barefoot are also planning to roll out their beach clean tour across other European markets, so stay tuned!

Why did Barefoot decide to partner with Surfers Against Sewage and rescue beaches?

Barefoot Wine has been supporting efforts of the Surfrider Foundation for more than 15 years.  Barefoot approached the Surfrider Foundation to launch the Barefoot Wine Beach Rescue Project in 2008. 

Barefoot identified with SAS’s grassroots approach of bringing attention to local causes through community activism spearheaded by passionate volunteers, as it mirrored the path that Barefoot took with its fleet of locally based wine representatives, known as “Barefooters,” who spread the word about Barefoot Wine. 

Now, the Barefoot Wine Beach Rescue Project is their way of taking a stand in the sand and making a lasting footprint by literally “heeling” beaches across the country.  Together with the SAS in the UK and Surfrider across other European markets, they are helping beaches stay “barefoot-friendly.”

Who are Surfers Against Sewage?

Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) is a not-for profit environmental pressure group focused on the protection of the UK’s oceans, waves and beaches for all to access, use and enjoy safely and sustainably, via campaigning, volunteering, conservation, education and scientific research.

What do you mean by “rescuing beaches”? 

Barefoot host celebrations in the local communities that we “rescue” in an effort to raise awareness about the importance of having healthy beaches for generations to come. 

How many beaches will they be rescuing?

Barefoot will be supporting beach communities as often as they can.  Their support helps bring positive attention to a universal cause that is important to all of us, whether we live on a beach or just enjoy visiting one when we have the chance. 

Since 1998 they have collected 4.7 tonnes of rubbish (to May 2011)

How do they choose beaches to rescue?

SAS helps Barefoot identify beaches in need.

How can I help “rescue” a beach?

Barefoot^® and SAS host beach rescue events all summer.  You can learn more about where and when these events will be taking place and how to RSVP to a local event by visiting www.sas.org.uk