SPAR gives €10,000 to Dundalk Simon Community

SPAR and Olympic gold medallist Kellie Harrington recently announced that the Dundalk Simon Community was to benefit from a €10,000 presentation from local community retailer SPAR, after it was announced as one of the winners of SPAR’s nationwide Community Fund initiative.  

Dundalk Simon Community is one of six beneficiaries of the SPAR 60th Community Fund initiative, with five other organisations spread across Connacht, Munster and Leinster also receiving €10,000 in funding.

This campaign builds on SPAR’s established Community Fund initiative, which was first launched in December 2021.SPAR has now made a direct investment of €80,000 to deserving community projects across the country, something that it says, is indicative of SPAR’s ongoing commitment of giving back to local communities and their customers.  

Established in 1973, the Dundalk Simon Community provides a range of services and supports to people at risk of or experiencing homelessness in the Dundalk area. Their services include 24/7 emergency accommodation, a crisis shelter, transitional and social housing, along with a a comprehensive day centre.

More than 1,100 groups from around the country applied for the third wave of funding provided by the SPAR Community Fund and a club representative from those six groups who were successful recently enjoyed a meet and greet session with SPAR Ambassador and Olympic Champion Kellie Harrington when they engaged in fun activities together and explained more about their community work.  

Irish Olympian and SPAR Brand Ambassador Kellie Harrington said, “The SPAR 60th Community Fund is a fantastic initiative that makes a real difference to the lives of people who are in need of a little support. 

"I am delighted to once again be involved in boosting funds to clubs, groups and programmes across Ireland who are bringing that sense of community and pride to where they live. This is a great way of giving back in a meaningful way and seeing vital community work both acknowledged and rewarded.” 

Colin Donnelly, SPAR Sales Director, commented, “For 60 years SPAR retailers have been proud to serve local communities around the country and the SPAR 60th Community Fund allows us to continue our ongoing work of rewarding and acknowledging the communities SPAR retailers are embedded in.

"It was great to meet representatives of Dundalk Simon Community and hear about the terrific work they are doing and how the SPAR 60th Community Fund will be able to support their work in a very meaningful way.”

To find out more about the SPAR 60th Community Fund and other SPAR initiatives taking place this year marking SPAR’s 60 years in Ireland, visit SPAR’s social media channels and watch the winner’s videos on SPAR’s YouTube page.