Daybreak stores across Ireland raised over €42,000 for its charity partner, Irish Heart (IH), in 2016 through a wide range of national and local community fundraising activities. IH is the national charity working to achieve better outcomes for those affected by heart disease and stroke.
As part of the charity partnership, 200 Daybreak stores across the country supported IH initiatives, including the annual Valentine’s Day Happy Heart Day as well as World Heart Day fundraising activities.
Daybreak employees also participated in a variety of national events in aid of the IH including the Daybreak Coffee Morning and Jolly Jumpers Day. Many stores also organised their own community fundraisers including porridge mornings and fun runs, with the Laois-based Daybreak Gandon Inn store raising a significant €2,500 through parachute jumps, coffee mornings and bake sales.
The money raised in 2016 went toward funding Irish Heart’s many life-enhancing programmes, including CPR training, stroke support groups, and freephone helpline.
Speaking about the partnership, Thomas Morrison, Musgrave MarketPlace Head of Retail Sales, commented: “We are incredibly proud to have raised in excess of €42k for Irish Heart last year. We are delighted to continue working with the charity this year to support the vital work they do to combat heart disease and stroke in Ireland.
“Retailers and their employees across all stores have been a great driving force behind all fundraising activity at a national and community level, organising everything from parachute jumps to porridge mornings. We hope to continue the great work this year and provide even more much needed support for Irish Heart with our 2017 fundraising campaign.”
Mary Anne Sweeney, Irish Heart Corporate Partnerships Manager, added: “Irish Heart is delighted to partner with Daybreak for a second year. We are hugely grateful for the funds raised in 2016, which will help us achieve better outcomes for those affected by heart disease and stroke, which kills up to 10,000 people each year. One of the most exciting projects we are launching this year is CPR 4 Schools.
“This ambitious programme aims to train all post primary children in Ireland in the life saving skill of CPR. Funds raised from Daybreak stores in 2017 will go towards our CPR 4 Schools programme. Together we can work towards training a generation of life savers and help Irish people live life better.”
Daybreak has confirmed it will continue its charity partnership with Irish Heart in 2017 and has set a new fundraising target of €65,000. The convenience store franchise will kick off its fundraising campaign by selling Happy Hearts pins on Happy Heart Day, 12 May. Further initiatives will also take place throughout the year.
© 2017 - Checkout Magazine by Donncha Mac Cóil
