Lidl Ireland’s annual Christmas Trolley Dash has raised €314,123 for its new charity partner, Family Carers Ireland.
The fundraising initiative received widespread support from Lidl shoppers across Ireland, with 100% of the proceeds raised supporting family carers and young carers across the country.
One winner in every one of Lidl’s 182 stores nationwide completed a two-minute Supermarket Sweep-style dash, with Lidl Kildare winner Pranas Virvicius taking home the retailer’s biggest Trolley Dash to date, with €1,200 worth of goods to enjoy over Christmas.
Since its launch in 2014, the Trolley Dash has raised more than €2.5 million for Lidl’s charity partners, with winners also taking home thousands of euro worth of festive food and treats to enjoy over the holiday season.
In November, Lidl announced Family Carers Ireland as its new official charity partner.
The organisation provides free supports and services, such as guidance on rights and entitlements, peer support networks, learning and education, emergency care planning, respite, counselling, young carer support, and more.
Lidl has committed to raising €1 million in funds over the next three years for Family Carers Ireland.
As the first large-scale fundraising activity since the start of the partnership, Trolley Dash has given the partnership a significant boost.
‘A Fantastic Start’
Commenting on the success of this year’s campaign, the corporate affairs director at Lidl Ireland, Eimear O’Sullivan, said, “We are proud to announce that this year’s Trolley Dash has raised an incredible €314,123 for Family Carers Ireland, marking a fantastic start to our new three-year charity partnership.
“Trolley Dash is our flagship fundraising initiative, and it’s wonderful to see our customers and employees coming together to support such an important cause.
“We’re incredibly proud of this achievement and grateful to everyone who participated in and supported this year’s dashes.
“I’d also like to say a massive well-done to our 182 lucky Trolley Dash winners, who took on the challenge in their local stores.”
The head of communications and policy at Family Carers Ireland, Catherine Cox, said, “We would like to thank Lidl Ireland, its employees and its customers for their unwavering support and this substantial Trolley Dash donation.
“We are blown away by the generosity of those who supported the Trolley Dash campaign, especially in these challenging times.
“This incredible total raised will be transformative in enabling us to continue delivering our vital services in support of family carers across the country.
“Family Carers Ireland’s mission is to ensure that family carers are properly recognised, supported and empowered, so that no one has to care alone, and these funds will go a long way in supporting some of our services and in raising awareness of family carers in our communities, our charity, and the work that we do.”
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