Cyrenians and Fazenda take home ‘Inspiring Partnership’ Prize

Last night Cyrenians and Fazenda were recognised for their ‘Inspiring Partnership’ by the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce. Cyrenians and the city centre restaurant were praised for their meaningful efforts to raise awareness of Edinburgh’s worsening housing emergency, whilst also raising money to allow Cyrenians to continue its vital work. 

The partnership was further praised for exemplifying collaboration, commitment and community impact.

Fazenda and Cyrenians have been working together for four years, creating meaningful experiences that highlight Cyrenians’ mission while engaging the local community and the restaurant team. Working closely with Cyrenians has given the Fazenda team a greater awareness of the complexities and challenges faced by vulnerable individuals and families in Edinburgh, as well as empowering them with valuable signposting and resources for people experiencing street homelessness around our city centre location.

The partnership has been mutually beneficial, with the partnership raising over £3,500 directly. Key to the partnership has been the annual drinks collaboration, where Fazenda’s mixologists create a cocktail using ingredients from Cyrenians farm. Proceeds from the sale of those cocktails goes to Cyrenians to help them with their mission to tackle the causes and consequences of homelessness.

The most recent cocktail collaboration was alcohol free in recognition of the people Cyrenians work with who are tackling substance abuse. Using honey from Cyrenians own farm in West Lothian, Fazenda’s bar supervisor Tiago Oliveira designed a ‘Honey Renaissance’ cocktail which symbolises the life-changing impact Cyrenians has within the community. The cocktail begins clear, but with the addition of a pipette of lilac cordial it becomes Honey Renaissance.

Tiago said: "The underlying criteria for it was to involve some of the products from the Cyrenians farm based in the West Lothian area. … With the help of Andie and her amazing team at the farm, we were able to get our hands on tasty homemade jams and honey. We’re really excited to be part of tackling the causes and consequences of homelessness, and to be able to use our skills to spread the word about Cyrenians’ work.”

Sophie Bell, Cyrenians Fundraising Manager, said: “I am delighted to have our longstanding partnership with Fazenda recognised by the Edinburgh business community. Everyone has a part to play in tackling homelessness, and we are proud that Fazenda blazes the trail with the commitment and creativity they bring to our impactful collaboration.”

Rachel Elliot, Fazenda Relationships & Events Manager, said: “We are honoured to receive the Inspiring Partnership award. This recognition is a testament to the strong relationship we have built and the impact we have made together. It has been a journey, and we cannot wait to grow and innovate together.”

This is the second win in three years for Cyrenians, who took home the same award in 2023 for its partnership with Essential Edinburgh, in recognition of the Homeless Navigator project, tackling street homelessness in the city centre.

Cyrenians and Fazenda’s partnership is continuing into 2025, with another exciting community building cocktail collaboration launching in March.