Lidl has announced that it has donated €1.2 million to Barretstown, a charity that helps children with serious illnesses and their families.
The retailer surpassed its target of €1 million over three years, and has extended its partnership with the charity for a further two years.
In order to reach their target, Lidl held 170 events over the three years, with their employees volunteering more than 7,200 hours in total. The discounter also built The Lidl Activity Room at Barretstown, which serves to enhance the horse-riding activities offered there.
Audrey, mother of Ava, who has been helped by Barretstown, said, "Fundraising support like this is vital to keep Barretstown going as it relies almost entirely on voluntary funding. Families need a helping hand when their world has been turned upside down and Barretstown gives families like ours a light at the end of the tunnel."
Amy Selvin, 'Barretstown Buddy' who works for Lidl in Newbridge, commented, "This is a great opportunity for the Barretstown Buddies in Lidl to say thank you to all of our customers and the public for supporting our fundraising events over the past 3 years.
"I am personally thrilled that the partnership has been extended for another 2 years as Barretstown is a charity close to my heart."
As well as offering specially designed camps and programmes for children with serious illnesses and their families, Barretstown also provides 24 hour on site medical and nursing care.
It costs the charity €4.8 million to run its programmes every year, 97% of which depends on the fundraising efforts of individuals, community groups and corporate supporters.
© 2016 - Checkout Magazine by Brian Dermody
