Maxol’s annual Christmas coffee fundraiser has raised €60,000 for the mental health charity Aware. Launched in the lead up to Christmas 2022, Maxol’s pay it forward initiative aimed to promote the spirit of kindness across Ireland by encouraging customers to purchase a coffee or hot drink for someone else.

In line with previous Christmas fundraisers, for every cup of ROSA Coffee or hot drink bought at one of Maxol’s service stations in November and December, 10c was donated directly to the charity.

Aware is the national organisation providing support, education and information services to people impacted by depression, bipolar disorder and related conditions. Aware directly supports 50,000 people from communities all over Ireland each year via its support services and positive mental health programmes, with many more accessing its website for information and resources.

Brian Donaldson, CEO of The Maxol Group, said:

“We’re proud to support Aware and the selfless work its team of volunteers do every day across the country. We’ve been working with Aware for seven years, and we’ve seen first-hand how important fundraising initiatives such as our Christmas coffee campaign is for the charity. Thank you to all our valued customers, retailers and staff who have supported this wonderful cause in 2022 and have helped many people who have been going through tough times.”

Drew Flood, Business Development Manager of Aware, said:

“We rely heavily on the generosity of the public and corporate organisations like Maxol to ensure we can continue to provide our free and essential services. €60,000 is a fantastic fundraising result and we are very grateful to Maxol, its retailers and all the customers throughout the country who purchased a Rosa coffee over the Christmas period. Every single euro raised makes a difference, contributing towards the support of another person or delivery of another positive mental health programme. Importantly, it has also raised awareness of mental health in communities all over Ireland. Thank you.”

Ireland’s leading family-owned forecourt retailer, Maxol has been operating at the heart of communities for more than 102 years.

www.maxol.ie

Pictured: Drew Flood, Aware, Brian Donaldson and Rue

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Winning customers have been taking to the aisles at their local stores for the chance to bag their Christmas shopping, as part of the festive fundraiser and fill a trolley load of groceries and festive treats, just in time for Christmas.

For two weeks annually in November, Trolley Dash tickets are sold in Lidl stores nationwide for just €1 each, offering customers the chance to win a supermarket sweep style dash around their local nearest Lidl store.

Since its inauguration in 2014, the festive fundraiser has raised more than €2 million for the supermarkets charity partners and given away trolley loads of Christmas groceries to the lucky winners.

Speaking about the success of this year’s Trolley Dash, Elaine O’Connor, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility Lidl Ireland and Northern Ireland, said “We are delighted to raise more than €307,000 for our charity partner Jigsaw through our annual festive fundraiser Trolley Dash. It’s incredible to see such a strong backing for a charity doing important work to support young adults in Ireland, with expert mental health advice and support. The whole team at Lidl Ireland are thrilled by the generosity shown by our customers, particularly in these challenging times, who wanted to contribute to a cause that has a real impact on future generations.”

On receipt of the charity donation Joseph Duffy, CEO of Jigsaw, said: “We would like to thank Lidl Ireland and their customers for their continued support and this considerable donation from the Trolley Dash fundraiser. We continue to see a significant increase in the demand for our services and supports across Ireland and it is so important that young people, their families, teachers and communities know that we are here to support them.”

Trolley Dash is just one of many initiatives by Lidl Ireland to fundraise for Jigsaw – the National Centre for Youth Mental Health by engaging customers and local communities with various activities.

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As the official sponsor, Londis is inviting participants to refuel at the ‘Little Piece of Heaven’ tent available at all HELL & BACK events.

HELL & BACK is returning stronger than ever as Ireland’s toughest physical and mental endurance challenge, attracting thousands of participants through a series of adventure events.

Taking place for the first time since 2019, there has been a 48% increase in the total number of HellRaisers who have signed up in 2022, with HELL & BACK Junior for national school children experiencing an impressive 83% growth. With the addition of five new HELL & BACK Junior events, which have been introduced this summer, the challenge is now open to everyone including adults, teens and tots.

This year, the Londis Water Jump and Water Slide will form HELL & BACK’s lake area, giving participants the chance to enjoy a refreshing splash while conquering the many obstacles of the course. At the end of the challenge, Londis are providing all participants with a pick-me-up in the form of healthy treats and snacks at the Londis ‘Little Piece of Heaven’ tent. Registration for all HELL & BACK events is now open on https://www.hellandback.ie/.

Ultimate Hell Week participant and mental health advocate, Rory O’Connor, commented: “I’m delighted to partner with Londis to announce the return of HELL & BACK after two years. I am excited to take part in the course, it helps me to push myself both mentally and physically.

“It is a great personal challenge and gives me a goal to work towards in my daily exercise. I can safely say it is also a brilliant day out for people of all ages, and it is fantastic to see such a great uptake in the junior events already. It will be great to see the Irish public getting involved, make sure you don’t miss out!”

Conor Hayes, Londis Sales Director, said: “Londis is delighted to be supporting the thrilling HELL & BACK challenge, returning after a two-year break due to COVID-19. This is Londis’ fifth year as the official sponsor of HELL & BACK, and it has been exciting to see it going from strength to strength with each new series. We are encouraging people of all ages to get involved in the fantastic challenge, and will be welcoming all participants with well-earned treats at the Little Piece of Heaven tent.”

*2022 HELL & BACK Dates:

Saturday, 21^st May 2022: H&B Junior 3KM (8–12-Year-Olds)

Sunday, 22^nd May 2022: H&B Junior 1KM (5–7-Year-Olds)

Saturday, 11^th June 2022: Adult & Family

Sunday, 12^th June 2022: Adult, Family & Teen

Sunday, 10^th July 2022: H&B Junior 3KM (8–12-Year-Olds)

Saturday, 13^th August 2022: H&B Junior 3KM (8–12-Year-Olds)

Saturday, 1^st October 2022: Adult & Family

Sunday, 2^nd October 2022: Adult, Family, Junior & Teen

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Over the past eight months, Aware has seen a 60% increase in calls to its Support Line, highlighting the impact of the pandemic and related socioeconomic factors on public wellbeing. Its Support Mail service has also reported an increase of 30% with a peak of 100% in May. Many are also looking to proactively protect their mental health and, to date, almost 4,000 people have availed of Aware’s online positive mental health programme.

Louise Cooney commented “This pandemic, and the subsequent lockdowns, has had a serious impact on people’s mental health. As the evenings get shorter, darker and colder, people are struggling and it’s now they need our help and for a long time to come as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We cannot underestimate the importance of the work that mental health charities such as Aware do tirelessly every day to support people who are struggling. As a self-funded charity, they need all the help they can get right now, so please, if you can, support this campaign and let your cup of coffee or tea make a difference.”

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