Shepherd Neame chief executive, Jonathan Neame (centre, left), at the charity of the year launch with with (left to right): RBLI beneficiary, Tony Mountain; RBLI fundraising campaigns manager, Jemma Gowland; and RBLI corporate partnerships manager, Natalie Sweeden

Shepherd Neame has teamed up with Pennies, the digital charity box, in a bid to boost funds for its charity of the Year.

The Faversham-based business announced in October that it had chosen Royal British Legion Industries (RBLI) as its charity of the year for 2019/20.

Based near the brewery at Aylesford, near Maidstone, RBLI is a national charity supporting not only British Armed Forces veterans, but civilian men and women of all ages, specifically those with disabilities, and the long-term unemployed. It aims to support its beneficiaries to find work and lead independent lives.

Customers drinking and dining at selected Shepherd Neame sites are invited to make a 25p donation to charity when they spend over £30 and pay on a card via chip and pin. Every penny given goes to charity: 90% to RBLI and 10% to Pennies.

Shepherd Neame chief executive, Jonathan Neame, said: “Our Sheps Giving committee has been working with RBLI on an exciting programme of fundraising activities at the brewery and across our pub estate, and we hope that this new partnership with Pennies will further increase the donations we generate.”

Pennies chief executive, Alison Hutchinson, added: “We are delighted to welcome Shepherd Neame as a Pennies partner. We make charitable giving accessible, affordable, and a part of everyday life.

“Shepherd Neame runs a thriving estate of pubs and hotels throughout London and the South East, and we are excited to give their customers a chance to join a growing community of giving, and support the fantastic work of RBLI.”