SPAR and EUROSPAR have launched a nationwide charity partnership of awareness and fundraising with the National Breast Cancer Research Institute (NBCRI) to help widen access to treatment, improve outcomes and conduct ground-breaking research into breast cancer.

Speaking at the launch of the partnership NBCRI research director Prof Michael Kerin said “One of the challenges with the cancer programme in Ireland is to ensure that people across the regions have equal access to a positive outcome, and there are very significant challenges in providing that in this country. There are undoubted urban versus rural disparities in cancer care and outcomes based on where you live. What we’re desperately trying to do is ensure that we create a fit for purpose research environment, so more people can get access to clinical trials, the most modern therapies, along with the very best clinicians. In order to do that, we need to have a developed hospital infrastructure and community care system. Developing that along with spreading the message in more communities across the country is key to making a positive impact. SPAR and EUROSPAR are ingrained in communities in every county across Ireland, so the support of its network of retailers and customers will make a real difference.

Working in partnership with over 470 independent retailers, the SPAR and EUROSPAR brands are owned and operated by BWG Foods. This is the first time that both retail brands have come together in support of one joint charity partnership and will raise much needed funds through in-store collections, contributions from the sale of select SPAR own brand products and other fundraising efforts through its countrywide network of stores and community initiatives. The NBCRI will also be able to avail of the retail network as a powerful platform to raise public awareness across Ireland.

Commenting on the partnership, Colin Donnelly, SPAR Sales Director, said: “We’re delighted to support the National Breast Cancer Research Institute and very proud to partner which such an important organisation. We’re especially proud as this was a decision that was made by our retailers around the country who came together to identify this charity in support of a cause that can positively impact every community in the country.” Peter Dwan, EUROSPAR Sales Director added “The National Breast Cancer Research Institute stood out to our retailers because the charity is focussed on a cause that impacts the lives of so many women in Ireland and we know that our customers and community partners will get behind this collective effort to enhance diagnosis and treatment options and play our part in improving the outcomes for those who develop breast cancer in the future.

(L-R): EUROSPAR Sales Director Peter Dwan, SPAR Sales Director Colin Donnelly, Suzanne Weldon, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at BWG Foods, Professor Michael Kerin and Lourda McHugh from the National Breast Cancer Research Institute (NBCRI) and Daniel O’Connell, Retail Director at BWG Foods at the announcement of a national charity partnership with SPAR and EUROSPAR including a new awareness and fundraising campaign through its nationwide network of retailers to help widen access to treatment, improve outcomes and conduct ground-breaking research into breast cancer.

SPAR & EUROSPAR FUNDRAISING EVENTS 2024