Leading convenience store group SPAR is celebrating a huge fundraising milestone by raising £3 million for its national charity partner Marie Curie.
SPAR UK chose to start its national charity partnership with Marie Curie in 2016 and has since reached this incredible landmark through in-store fundraising, customer donations and on-pack product donations.
During the partnership SPAR colleagues and customers alike have made a huge difference to those living with a terminal illness and their families, by fundraising for the Great Daffodil Appeal, Blooming Great Tea Party, Go Yellow, Scare to Show you Care, and many more events.
SPAR stores have complemented fundraising efforts with own label products donating to Marie Curie, from fresh cut daffodils to Christmas sandwiches, with individuals and groups taking on epic treks, hosting events and baking treats.
SPAR suppliers have also demonstrated their continued commitment to the partnership, most recently supporting the Go Yellow campaign with a generous £35,000 donation.
In addition to raising vital funds, SPAR stepped up and helped respond to the coronavirus pandemic by distributing over 1 million pieces of personal protective equipment (PPE) to Marie Curie Nurses delivering frontline care.
The £3 million raised by SPAR colleagues, customers and suppliers is enough to fund an incredible 130,000 hours of care from Marie Curie Nurses, making a huge difference to people living with a terminal illness, and their loved ones, across the UK.
Matthew Reed, Marie Curie Chief Executive, said: “My huge gratitude to SPAR for the support they have given Marie Curie since our partnership began. Not only have SPAR colleagues, customers and suppliers come together to raise a phenomenal £3 million, they have shown that supporting Marie Curie’s vital work is at the heart of what they do. This has included distributing vital PPE to our staff during the pandemic, selling daffodil pins during the Great Daffodil Appeal and featuring our fantastic nurses on sandwiches sold in-store which include a donation to Marie Curie.
“We continue to be immensely grateful for the passion and commitment that SPAR colleagues, customers and suppliers bring to our partnership. Thank you for continuing to fundraise and support Marie Curie’s mission and work to close the gap in end of life care.”
Ian Taylor, SPAR UK Retail Director, said: “A huge thank you to all our SPAR colleagues, customers and suppliers who have supported Marie Curie and helped reach this tremendous milestone! The commitment and support for Marie Curie has been exceptional.
“We have a long tradition of helping good causes and giving back to communities in which our stores serve. Our partnership represents our collective commitment to help Marie Curie Nurses reach more people by creating a better end of life for all in the UK.”
Every five minutes someone in the UK dies without getting the support they need. By 2048, the need for end of life care will have increased by up to 25%. Marie Curie currently reaches just 10% of those people and the need for their work has never been greater, with people living longer and with multiple conditions.
For more information on how to support Marie Curie, visit www.mariecurie.org.uk.
