Spar continues to support Marie Curie

The fundraising efforts from independently-owned Spar stores around the UK have made 80,000 hours of nursing care or almost 9,000 nursing shifts possible.

Key fundraising highlights in support of Marie Curie’s campaigns include the annual Great Daffodil Appeal, the Blooming Great Tea Party, and product donations through in-store promotions.

Spar staff have taken part in challenge events across the country. From CJ Lang’s annual Ben Nevis trek, to Appleby Westward’s Padstow-to-Rock swim.

In addition, Spar employees have also created themed fundraisers over the years around Resolution Revolution, Halloween, Christmas, and Easter.

Spar wholesalers also regularly donate care items to Marie Curie’s nine hospices and stock drives have also been run in a number of Spar offices to keep clothes and other items flowing to Marie Curie charity shops.

The symbol group also responded to coronavirus pandemic and the logistical maze the charity was facing in distributing PPE to its nurses. In the South West, Marie Curie Nurses are able to collect essential PPE from their local Spar convenience store.

Tom Heron, senior partnership manager at Marie Curie, said: “Marie Curie would like to thank each and every one of Spar’s staff for their dedication and support to help make a real difference to families living with terminal illness. Now more than ever, people need Marie Curie nurses to be there for them.”

Alex Hall, digital marketing manager at Spar UK, added: “During the pandemic Spar stores have supported NHS staff and vulnerable people in the community by donating personal care products and foodstuffs to banks and hospitals nationwide. In addition, we are very aware of the caring work Marie Curie nurses have been doing to support the NHS and the vulnerable during this challenging time. We are proud to support our national charity partner Marie Curie and will continue to do as much as we can to promote the amazing work their nurses do to help families living with terminal illness.”