Wagamama celebrates Pride with rainbow benches to raise money for LGBT charities

Wagamama is celebrating Pride by installing rainbow benches to raise money for LGBT charities, as part of its #MakeItRainbow campaign.

Every time a customer sits on one of the benches, the profits from any Japanese steamed buns bought will be donated to the cause.

The chain is hoping to raise £12,500 for charitable organisations including Birmingham’s SIFA Fireside, which supports homeless and vulnerable people, Brighton’s Rainbow Fund, Edinburgh’s LGBT Youth, George’s House in Manchester and London Friend, the UK’s oldest LGBT charity.

The rainbow benches will be set up across the UK, in London, Brighton, Birmingham, Manchester and Edinburgh.

Last year, Wagamama raised more than £7,500 across three cities.

Andre Johnstone, the UK marketing director for Wagamama, said: “After the success of last year’s #makeitrainbow campaign, we wanted to reach further and wider.

(Wagamama)

“Including an additional three cities as part of our campaign is the best way to shout louder about our support for the LGBT+ community.

“We’ve always supported our staff when it comes to Pride and this year is no different.”

A statement on the Wagamama website explains more about the restaurant chain’s support for Pride: “Since opening our doors in London 25 years ago, we have championed inclusiveness, acceptance and difference.

“We are proud of our ‘no clone’ hiring policy, which has always encouraged our Wagamama family to embrace who they are and not hide or conform to a stereotype of a cookie-cutter employee.

• Dec 01

16 TV stars you grew up watching who later came out as LGBTQ+