The Chestnut Group, based in Higham, near Bury St Edmunds, gains official charity status for The Giving Tree

A pub group’s community initiative has been given official charity status.

The Chestnut Group, based in Higham, near Bury St Edmunds, announced today The Giving Tree was now an official charity.

Since its inception as a community interest company in 2020, it has raised more than £280,000 for local charities and groups across Suffolk, Essex, Norfolk and Cambridgeshire.

With its new status, The Giving Tree will provide grants and support to communities throughout the region, with individuals and organisations able to apply for these through its official website, and will be awarded quarterly.

Philip Turner, Chestnut Group founder and director of the charity, said: “The Giving Tree is now an integral part of Chestnut’s culture and values.

“Becoming an official charity allows us to deepen our impact and continue to support the incredible organisations that make a difference in our communities.”

In December, Christmas bill donations at Chestnut’s venues raised more than £17,000 for the charity, which the group said showcased the generosity of its guests and their communities

Its key fund-raising events planned for this year include the annual Chestnut Cycle Safari, pier-to-pier walks in Norfolk and Suffolk supporting EACH, and a grand charity lunch across all 19 Chestnut properties with all profits going directly to The Giving Tree.

To date, The Giving Tree has supported numerous charities, including East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA), EACH, Nourishing Norfolk, local food banks, Break, Something to Look Forward to and many more.

This new phase of growth will allow more local initiatives to benefit from its work.