Circle K to Give Free Coffee to Thousands of Pieta’s Darkness Into Light Participants
Circle K, proud partner of Pieta, will offer free tea and coffee, including iced coffee, to all of Darkness Into Light walkers across participating Circle K locations nationwide including some Circle K Express sites* stores from 5:00am to 8:00am on Saturday, May 9th. Customers are invited to simply mention “Darkness Into Light” at the till to receive their complimentary drink.
As the official coffee partner of Darkness Into Light 2026, Circle K is supporting the tens of thousands of people who will take part in the early morning walk, coming together in hope, remembrance and solidarity with those impacted by suicide and self-harm.
Darkness Into Light, proudly supported by Electric Ireland, is one of Ireland’s largest and most impactful fundraising initiatives. Last year, 80,000 people across 200 walks raised €4 million to support Pieta’s free, life-saving services. This year, more than 100,000 people are expected to take part in more than 150 locations nationwide, many of them close to Circle K stores.
While the event is a powerful moment of togetherness and hope, it also reflects the very real and ongoing impact of suicide and self-harm across Ireland. Each year, around 500 people lose their lives to suicide, and one in five people will experience suicidal thoughts in their lifetime. The impact extends far beyond the individual, with a single suicide affecting up to 135 people, including families, friends and entire communities.
Pieta continues to provide critical support to those who need it most, responding to over 100,000 crisis calls and texts last year. Importantly, every 2km walked can help fund one life-saving call to Pieta’s crisis helpline, meaning every step taken by participants has a direct impact.
Gillian McGowran, Market Development Director, at Circle K Ireland said:
“At Circle K, we are deeply proud to stand with Pieta as both a charity partner and the official coffee partner of Darkness Into Light 2026. By offering free tea and coffee to participants, we want to support and thank the incredible communities coming together this Saturday, 9 May. In the lead-up to the event, we are also encouraging customers nationwide to add a €1 donation at the till, helping to directly support Pieta’s vital, life-saving services. Together, we can help shine a light in the darkness while supporting the vital work Pieta delivers every day.”
Through its nationwide services, including in-person, phone and video therapy, and suicide bereavement support, Pieta provides free, professional care to thousands of people each year. Community fundraising events like Pieta’s Darkness Into Light are essential to helping ensure these services remain available to everyone who needs them.
Stephanie Manahan, CEO at Pieta said:
“We are incredibly grateful to Circle K for their continued support of Darkness Into Light and for helping to create such a warm and welcoming moment for participants on the morning of the walk.
Every person who takes part is helping to ensure that Pieta’s free suicide and self-harm prevention services remain available to those who need them most. If you haven’t already registered, there is still time to do so and join your local walk at darknessintolight.ie and be part of something truly meaningful.”
Launched in January 2026, Circle K’s three-year partnership with Pieta includes a commitment to raise €1 million to support vital suicide and self-harm prevention services.
How to get help
If you are thinking of self-harming, suicide, or have lost someone to suicide, Pieta offers free, professional support:
- Call 0818 111 126 to book an appointment for therapy or counselling
- If you need immediate crisis support, contact the Pieta Crisis Helpline, available 24/7, at 1800 247 247 or text HELP to 51444
- Pieta’s Crisis Helpline is staffed by qualified therapists 365 days a year to offer immediate, compassionate support over the phone
