The 11'000 sq.ft fish and chip restaurant, bar and takeaway on Victoria Street - in the former St John’s Church - has quickly established itself as the go-to for a proper fish supper since it opened in January, and now the team are hoping to raise a substantial sum for the RNLI.
During October the team at Bertie's will encourage all customers to donate 50p (or as much as they wish) on top their bill to support RNLI.
The RNLI is a 24/7 modern emergency service that relies on the generosity of the public to fund its lifesaving services.
The charity’s volunteer lifeboat crew members often sacrifice their precious mealtimes and special occasions at a moment’s notice to answer their pagers and help those in trouble at sea.
RNLI crews are busier than ever, with, on average, 26 people a day across the UK and Ireland, needing the charity’s lifesaving services.
In 2018 alone, RNLI lifeboats launched 8,964 times and volunteer crew rescued 9,412 people.
Picture: Bertie's
Leandro Crolla, General Manager at Bertie’s, said: "It’s a pleasure to lead the Fish Supper campaign in Edinburgh as we raise needed funds for the RNLI.
"We’re appealing to our loyal customers, businesses, partner organisations and anyone who enjoys a good fish supper, to join us at Bertie's over the weeks ahead and raise as much as we can for a great organisation."
Every penny raised for RNLI Fish Supper will help prevent drowning and will go towards providing lifeboat crew kit, fuel for lifeboats and essential training, including the charity’s many drowning prevention programmes, such as Swim Safe sessions for children which this year took place at Portobello and Aberdour.
Arabella Kuszynska-Shields, crew member of Queensferry Lifeboat said: "Without the funds raised by activities like those Bertie’s and our supporters run for Fish Supper, we can’t afford the safety equipment we need as a crew to help keep people safe at sea. We really appreciate all of the fundraising done to support the RNLI."
Fish and chip fans are also being encouraged to host their own dinners with quizzes and party materials available here.
Bertie's Restaurant and Bar is open Sunday - Thursday from 12pm - 10pm and Friday and Saturday from 12pm- 11pm. For bookings and more info please click here.
