Dunville’s Whiskey and its CSR history

As Neighbourgood helps clients to kick off their CSR journey, it’s fascinating to look back at a company with a rich history of corporate social responsibility: Dunville’s Irish Whiskey. Founded in the 19th century, Dunville’s wasn’t just about whiskey; it was about making a real difference in the community and in the lives of its employees.

Back in 1873, William Dunville, the visionary behind the company, established the Sorella Trust in memory of his sister Sarah. The goal? To improve housing for the working class. The Trust succeeded in building better homes in the Grosvenor Road area, and even had a street named Sorella Street in its honour.

But Dunville’s Whiskey didn’t stop there. The Sorella Trust also funded education scholarships worth up to £3,000 a year. This investment in education is still making waves today: Queen’s University in Belfast continues to award the Dunville Studentship to two postgraduates each year. That’s a legacy of learning and opportunity that’s withstood for over a century!

Fast forward to 1880, and the directors of Dunville’s Irish Whiskey were thinking about more than just work—they wanted their employees to have a bit of fun too. So, they founded the Distillery Football Club and even built the team’s first football ground by filling in a waste pond at the back of the distillery. The team’s spirit is still alive and kicking today, with The Echlinville Distillery—who revived the production of Dunville’s Whiskey—being the team’s sponsor since the 2016-2017 season.

And if you thought that was generous, wait until you hear about 1890. Dunville’s Whiskey made an incredible donation of 6.5 acres of land and £8,000 (about £1 million in today’s money) to create Dunville Park. This wasn’t just a gift; it was a lifeline for employees and locals living in cramped conditions in the district. Dunville Park, along with Dunville Street and Distillery Street, still stands as a testament to the Dunville family’s commitment to making their community a better place.

Dunville’s Irish Whiskey shows us how a company can go beyond its core business to truly impact lives. From building homes and funding education to creating recreational spaces, their approach to CSR was wide-ranging and heartfelt. It’s a great reminder for us at Neighbourgood as we develop our own CSR strategies for companies across the UK.

Looking back at Dunville’s Whiskey, it’s clear that meaningful CSR isn’t just about writing cheques or making a quick impact—it’s about creating lasting change and investing in the long-term well-being of people and communities. As we set out to make our own mark, we’re inspired by how Dunville’s Whiskey seamlessly integrated its values into every facet of the business.

So, here’s to taking a page from Dunville’s playbook: let’s aim to not only meet immediate needs but also build a legacy of positive, sustainable impact. By doing so, we can follow in the footsteps of a company that didn’t just make whiskey but made a difference.