No Reproduction Fee

LidlÕs Cork Stores Dash Ahead for

Barretstown

Pictured at the Christmas Trolley Dash in Lidl Clonakilty is Leigh-Ann OÕ Donovan, Clonakilty, who was one of the lucky 141 winners of the nationwide Lidl Trolley Dash, which took place Saturday 13th December in every Lidl store across the country. As well as winning their Christmas shopping for free(the average of goods won per person totalled Û350), each winner also contributed to the whopping Û135,438 which was raised from ticket sales in just 2 short weeks. A total of Û11,666 was raised in Cork alone.
Speaking about LidlÕs Christmas trolley dash, Sinead Flynn, CSR assistant with Lidl Ireland, said: ÒWe are thrilled with the result of our Christmas fundraising initiatives for our Charity partner Barretstown. In two short weeks, Lidl stores across the country have raised over Û135,000 from one initiative alone. We would like to thank all of our customers who have supported Barretstown through these initiatives and look forward to ramping up our activities in 2015 to raise even more much needed funds for Barretstown."

This year, Lidl also hosted its Christmas Markets in Dublin and Limerick for the first year ever. Visits to Santa cost Û8 and rides on the carousel were Û2 per person, with all funds raised going to Barretstown. Barretstown Christmas cards are also on sale in all stores nationwide. In excess of 25,000 units have sold to date, and Barretstown Christmas cards will be available in store for the remainder of the festive season. This brings the total of funds raised by the retailer to a whopping Û185,594 through its Christmas fundraising activity for its charity partner, Barretstown, in just six short weeks, with still nine days to go until Christmas.

Speaking about LidlÕs Christmas fundraising activity, Dee Ahearn, CEO of Barretstown, said: ÒWe are absolutely delighted with LidlÕs fundraising activities in the run up to Christmas. So far Û185,594 has been raised which is a phenomenal amount of money. These funds will go a long way to reducing our waiting lists and increasing our capacity to take part in more hospital outreach visits, which is a programme we launched just this year. Each year Barretstown has to raise Û4.5m to stay operational and itÕs initiatives such as these that help us reach that target.Ó
-ENDS-



Lidl stores in County Cork
á Kanturk
á Cobh
á Ballyvolane
á Macroom
á Ballincollig
á Kinsale
á Charleville
á Mitchelstown
á Churchfield Avenue, Cork,
á Togher, Cork
á Bandon
á Youghal
á Fermoy
á Mallow
á Midleton
á Skibbereen
á Carrigaline
á Clonakilty
á Cornmarket Centre, Cornmarket Street, Cork

For further information about Lidl or to locate your nearest store, visit www.lidl.ie.

For media enquiries:
P: +353 (0) 45 440 599
E: press@lidl.ie
Facebook: facebook.com/lidlireland
Twitter: @lidl_ireland

Notes to Editors:

á Barretstown, which is celebrating its 20th birthday this year, provides therapeutic recreation for seriously ill children and their families in Ireland.
á Barretstown was founded by Hollywood actor Paul Newman in 1994 and modelled on his renowned Hole in the Wall Gang Camp in Connecticut, USA.
á The SeriousFun ChildrenÕs Network is a global community of 30 independently managed and financed camps and programmes creating opportunities for children with serious illnesses and their families to reach beyond illness and discover joy, confidence and a new world of possibilities, always free of charge.
á Barretstown serves children affected by serious illnesses Ð primarily cancer and serious blood diseases and their families. BarretstownÕs mission is to rebuild the lives of children affected by serious illness and their families. We believe that every child with serious illness should enjoy their childhood.
á The name ÒSeriousFunÓ reflects both the ÒseriousÓ components of impact and outcomes and the ÒfunÓ experience of the magic of camp. All of the children and families come to Barretstown free of charge. Everything, including accommodation, food, medical assistance and transport are provided at no cost to the family. Barretstown is supported by donations and the fundraising efforts of corporate supporters, individuals and community groups.
á To find out more visit www.barretstown.org, like them on Facebook facebook.com/Barretstown or follow them on Twitter @Barretstown.

Pic John Sheehan Photography