# Port Lovers Unite
For many Port drinkers, opening a bottle is an essential part of any gathering. Unfortunately during this time of lockdown and social distancing, this is both perilous and unwise.
The Douro in Portugal has more than 21,000 grape growers and 92% of them, farm fewer than 5 hectares of vineyard. In this way port drinkers support entire communities.
For The Port Lovers
The global Port community was eager to show solidarity in this time of crisis. They wanted to create an opportunity to share a glass together online, whilst contributing valuable funds to support the many courageous front-line workers battling away during this global pandemic. The International Red Cross is doing crucial work providing emergency healthcare support for those living in conflict zones.
And so #PortLoversUnite was created. Taking place on Sunday 3rd May 2020, this digital Portathon will see Port lovers from around the world share a glass of Port via a live video conference with members of the Symington family, to raise much needed funds to support humanitarian relief and medical services in war zones.
The Symington Family Estates have already been extremely active in helping to combat the virus. They’ve produced 10,000 litres of antiseptic gel (made with distilled grape spirit, glycerine and water). They’ve donated a ventilator to the Vila Real hospital in the Douro region, contributed funding towards a diagnostic X-Ray machine, and purchased 3,000 medical-grade protective masks for hospitals in the Porto area.
Then join the digital gathering with a glass of port in hand. Port lovers in other time zones who cannot make the live event are invited to make a donation to The Red Cross, drink a glass of Port on the same day, then share a photo on social media using the hashtag #PortLoversUnite.
