Cooper King Distillery funds rural apprenticeship scheme

Image: Cooper King Distillery founders Abbie (left) and Chris Jaume

 

York distillery Cooper King is supporting the Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust (YDMT) with a donation toward the trust’s Rural Apprentice scheme for young people aged 16-24.

 

This year, the distillery will donate £16,000 to the scheme. The funding is drawn from sales of Cooper King’s single malt whisky — £5 from every sale is promised to YDMT. Further donations are drawn from the distillery’s portfolio of gin, vodka, and liqueur. The donation is expected to repeat annually. 

 

The Rural Apprentice scheme takes on six young people per year. The scheme gives apprentices experience in countryside management and environmental projects, while learning how to restore and maintain countryside and urban green spaces.

 

Dr Abbie Jaume, Cooper King co-founder, said: “There is an urgent need to protect and restore our delicate, rural landscape. Protecting our environment is at the core of what we do, that’s why we’re dedicated to producing sustainable spirits which drive positive change. We’re delighted to be able to help protect our planet, while offering incredible opportunities to amazing young people…”

 

Leah Galloway, development manager, YDMT, added: “With the support of sustainably-conscious businesses, like Cooper King Distillery, we aåre able to provide opportunities for young people to take their first steps on the path to green careers, ensuring the future of our special landscape is protected for years to come.

 

“The apprenticeship programme has a profound impact on the young people involved, but also on local communities. Working alongside partners, such as Cooper King, means we are able to deliver long-term, positive impacts for the people, wildlife and landscape of the Yorkshire Dales.”

 

Cooper King’s latest release, Transatlantic Whisky, was released on St George’s Day (23 April), and is the second whisky in the distillery’s Expedition Series.