Five key initiatives developed to boost fundraising drive

In what was an exceptionally challenging year, Centra and SuperValu retailers across Northern Ireland raised a monumental £130K for long-standing charity partner, Action Cancer.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the brands challenged themselves to reassess their initial fundraising plans which support the life-saving services offered by Action Cancer across Northern Ireland.

Desi Derby, Marketing Director for SuperValu and Centra, commented on the fundraising achievement: 

“When the pandemic hit at the beginning of last year, our rally call became ‘together we are stronger.’ We knew how detrimental the impact of having to cancel traditional fundraising events and activities would be to Action Cancer, so as a team, we worked collectively to come up with ways in which we could support our long-standing partner in these difficult times.”

“This significant figure is a testament to the dedication of our retailers, colleagues and customers, who have worked tirelessly over the last year to both serve their communities and to help us achieve this impressive fundraising total.”

Five key initiatives were developed including, the sale of limited-edition Action Cancer face masks which to date has raised almost £25,000 and are still available in stores priced at £4.  This followed on the heels of a successful Halloween initiative, partnering with local Armagh supplier Gilfresh, which saw the brands pledge a 50p donation from each pumpkin sale.

Throughout the pandemic, SuperValu and Centra have continued to champion their local communities and in June, the brands called on the public to nominate their ‘local store hero’ – a store colleague recognised for going above and beyond to help their local community – a £1 donation was made for every nomination received.

In April, the brands announced their partnership with a local charity initiative showing support for the NHS and all frontline workers – selling balloon shaped stickers for customers to display on their car or home windows.

In addition, SuperValu honoured their annual sponsorship of Action Cancer’s Bra Walk which took place in September and went virtual for the first time.

Gareth Kirk, CEO of Action Cancer, added:

“Throughout 2020 the ongoing support of SuperValu and Centra retailers to Action Cancer has been truly outstanding and vital, enabling us to continue with many of our supporting services throughout the year. Without the ongoing support of Musgrave NI our impact and the difference we make in helping to save lives and support people with cancer in Northern Ireland would be considerably less. Thank you, SuperValu, and Centra for your tremendous ongoing and continuing support to Action Cancer and for the contribution you make daily to our local community.”

Northern Ireland’s leading, local cancer charity Action Cancer is calling on supporters to enter its online ‘Bake Off’ Competition to mark World Cancer Day on 4^th February 2021. The charity is asking everyone to break out the butter, flour and whisks and bake their own World Cancer Day themed cakes or buns and submit via Action Cancer’s Facebook page. Two lucky bakers will be in with a chance of winning a £50 voucher for SuperValu or Centra, kindly provided by the local retail brands.

World Cancer Day is a global initiative led by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC). It was created in 2000 and has since grown into a day for individuals and organisations around the world to unite against cancer.

Action Cancer is a local charity that must raise £4m each year in order to deliver its range of cancer prevention, detection and support services. Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, the charity has adapted its services so that these can be delivered safely face-to-face with the use of PPE and stringent sanitising measures (in line with government guidelines).

Having been made to close its doors in March 2020 due to the pandemic, Action Cancer resumed its breast cancer screening programme in mid-August for women aged 40-49 and over 70 (outside of NHS screening age range) and has since screened over 2,000 women.

Therapeutic Services and Health Promotion departments are also operational again with the staff team moving many services, which were previously delivered face-to-face, to online or over the phone delivery, ensuring as many people as possible are still able to avail of Action Cancer services.

None of this would be possible without the support received from the general public and from relationships with the local business community.

Corporate Fundraising Manager Lucy McCusker commented:

“This World Cancer Day Action Cancer would like to say a huge ‘thank you’ to all of our long term and new corporate supporters. We are extremely fortunate to work in partnership with a range of businesses including; SuperValu and Centra (Musgrave NI), FinTrU, Gordons Chemists, M&S, Santander and Its4women, to name only a few. The funds and awareness raised through these partnerships are vital to the work of Action Cancer.

“Since the Covid-19 pandemic these relationships have been invaluable and we have been very lucky to engage in partnerships with a number of new companies such as DPD Ireland and FinTrU. Whether you are an expert baker or a lockdown inspired newbie we are appealing to individuals and businesses to dust off the aprons, bring out the spatulas and show us your sweet treat delights to mark World Cancer Day.”

SuperValu and Centra have been partnering with Action Cancer since 2001 and during that time have raised over £3 million. Desi Derby, Marketing Director for SuperValu and Centra is pleased to lend their support.

“Our partnership with Action Cancer is one that we are very proud of and we are delighted to support them to raise awareness for World Cancer Day. Our retailers and colleagues are passionate about the work of Action Cancer and work tirelessly to raise money to help support the important services that the charity provides right across Northern Ireland.”

Another of Action Cancer’s business supporters is local online insurance company Its4women. Marketing Manager Kerry Beckett added:

“Its4women and Action Cancer are into the second year of our three year partnership. Together we deliver the Breast Friends fundraising campaign and have raised £87,000 so far for the charity’s breast screening service which has provided 927 local ladies with a potentially lifesaving appointment. February is also significant for us as it is the second anniversary of its4women operating in Northern Ireland and what better way to mark both occasions than with some baking!”

To enter the competition, take a photo of your fabulous baked creations and tag Action Cancer’s facebook page. The winners will be announced at 2pm on Thursday 4^th February.

If you would like to make a donation to Action Cancer for World Cancer Day you can do so on the charity’s facebook page or by visiting www.justgiving.com/campaign/World-Cancer-Day-Bake-Off

Centra and SuperValu have put value at the heart of their current campaigns, kicking off the new year by raising awareness of their extensive own-brand offer and promotions.

The own brand value-led promotions showcase the most comprehensive product range to date, with over 600 own brand products on offer at SuperValu and over 350 available at Centra stores across Northern Ireland – on average 33% cheaper than the better-known brands.

In addition to own brand, shoppers will also find over 200 special offers in SuperValu and over 100 in Centra every 3-week period, starting from January 18^th, across food, household, cleaning and baby.

In addition, over 600 branded products will be price-matched against Tesco in SuperValu and both SuperValu and Centra shoppers will enjoy extra value on weekly Fab Four deals.

This renewed focus comes on the back of a challenging year for NI consumers, where value has emerged as a strong motivator for purchasing decisions in light of the financial pressures of the pandemic and more time at home as a result of lockdowns. This builds on the already established global shift among consumers towards affordable quality own brand options, with private-label brands increasingly seen as equivalent or a suitable substitute, in some instances, to the better known multi-national brands.

Desi Derby, Marketing Director for Centra and SuperValu, said:

“We’re committed to providing our customers with the best value in convenience and the past year has shown that value is at the forefront of the shoppers mind as they look to navigate the pressures of Covid and save money post-Christmas.

 “Our investment in own brand lines demonstrates growing consumer demand for an expanded range of affordable grocery products and we are confident consumers will not be disappointed by the extensive range on offer at both Centra and SuperValu alongside their great quality and value.

“Most shoppers will shop a mix of branded and own-brand products to varying degrees, so hundreds of branded products are also price checked against Tesco every week across our stores to make sure we are constantly delivering value for our shoppers on all the products they want to shop. Our latest campaigns are designed to ensure that message is communicated loud and clear to NI consumers who are facing more weeks of lockdown ahead and who are looking to balance their shop with everyday items, inspiration, indulgence and health, but all at a great price”.

Why not gift someone a personalised Christmas hamper filled with everything they love from Centra. Just ask in-store about our gift hamper service at the following locations:

• Centra Antrim, Oriel Road
• Centra Armagh Deansbridge
• Centra Ballinamallard
• Centra Ballinderry
• Centra Ballymena, The Phoenix
• Centra Belfast, Beechmount Avenue
• Centra Belfast, Boucher Road
• Centra Belleek
• Beragh, Curr Road
• Centra Carrickfergus, Woodburn
• Centra Carryduff
• Centra Claudy
• Centra Clogher
• Centra Cloughey
• Centra Coleraine
• Centra Crossmaglen
• Centra Culmore
• Centra Derry, Strand Road
• Centra Derrylin
• Centra Donaghmore
• Centra Draperstown
• Centra Enniskillen, Dublin Road
• Centra Enniskillen, Drumlyon
• Centra Gilford
• Centra Greencastle
• Centra Holywood
• Centra Islandbawn
• Centra Keady
• Centra Killinchy
• Centra Lisburn, Ballynahinch Road
• Centra Lisburn, Longstone
• Centra Limavady
• Centra Maghera
• Centra Omagh, Brookmount
• Centra Omagh, Campsie Road
• Centra Omagh, Dromore Road
• Centra Portaferry
• Centra Portglenone

Centra and SuperValu stores selling limited edition charity face masks with all profits supporting the Action Cancer Big Bus

Centra and SuperValu stores across Northern Ireland are asking customers to ‘mask up’ to not only stay safe while shopping but also raise vital funds for their long-standing charity partner, Action Cancer.  Following a successful pumpkin initiative at Halloween raising almost £5,000, the retail brands are calling on their customers once again to get behind their latest fundraising drive and purchase a limited edition face mask in store.

All profits from the sale of the charity face masks will support Action Cancer’s mobile clinic, The Big Bus with its on board breast screening service for women aged 40-49 and 70+ (outside of NHS screening age range) and health checks for men and women aged 16+ .

Discussing the latest charity fundraising drive, Desi Derby, Marketing Director at Musgrave NI said:

 “This year, our charity partner needs our support more than ever and we are delighted to be launching our face masks at a time when we are working hard to keep our colleagues and customers safe. 

“We hope that with the help of our customers purchasing a face mask in store, we will raise some much-needed funds to keep the Big Bus on the road providing a vital breast screening service to many women across Northern Ireland.

“With normal fundraising activities put on hold due the pandemic, our stores have had to look at different ways to fundraise.  In October, we donated 50p from every pumpkin sale which resulted in almost £5000 for Action Cancer – our customers are fantastic at getting behind our initiatives and I’m sure this one will be no different.”

Centra and SuperValu customers have a superb track record of generosity in support of Northern Ireland’s leading local cancer charity, Action Cancer.

Thanking Centra and SuperValu and their customers for their ongoing support Gareth Kirk, CEO of Action Cancer said:

“COVID 19 has created a challenging operating environment for charities and healthcare providers.  Like many other charities operating in the healthcare sector, we have put in place new procedures and changed how our services are delivered. However, what hasn’t changed is the impact and difference our services continue to make in terms of saving lives and supporting people living with cancer in Northern Ireland. 

“We’re committed to helping those who need help and we’re extremely grateful for the support of SuperValu and Centra and their customers, all of whom are raising vital funds to allow us to continue to deliver our life saving services.”

Centra and SuperValu have been partnering with Action Cancer since 2001 and last year reached a landmark fundraising achievement, raising £3 million – one of the largest amounts ever by a company for an individual charity in Northern Ireland.

Face masks are £4 each and are available to purchase in stores– for a full list of Centra stores click here.

Competition opens with £2000 to be won

Two lucky families will walk away with £1000 each, just in time for Christmas courtesy of Centra and SuperValu.  The retail brands today announced their Christmas Cracker Competition, which is now live on both the Centra and SuperValu Facebook pages and will run until Tuesday 15^th December.  Entrants will be tasked with counting the number of golden crackers hidden on the Christmas dinner table for their chance to win £1000 from each brand.

Desi Derby, Marketing Director with Centra and SuperValu in Northern Ireland said: 

“After a very difficult year, we want to bring a little bit of joy to our customers with the chance to win these great prizes.  While we don’t know what restrictions will be in place in December, we can assure our customers that we will be delivering a Christmas experience across both brands, as we approach a Christmas like no other. 

“Making Christmas affordable has been a key focus as we are acutely aware of the financial impact of Covid-19 on many people.  One thing we can guarantee is that our stores will continue to offer the best service to our customers, keeping our stores well stocked and safe, at a time when they need us most.”  

Terms & Conditions

1. Competition entry is strictly over 18’s
2. The promoter is Musgrave Retail Partners Northern Ireland.
3. Musgrave Retail Partners Northern Ireland is the sole sponsor of the promotion and holds sole responsibility for promotion management. Prize will be fulfilled by MXB Agency.
4. The competition is open to residents of Northern Ireland only, aged 18 years or older excluding employees of Musgrave Retail Partners Northern Ireland, their families, agents or anyone else connected with this promotion.
5. No purchase is necessary. Entry to the competition is free.
6. To enter simply like our page, share the post and comment telling us how many golden crackers you can find on the image. Only comments left under the competition post will be accepted as an entry. Comments left under the competition Terms & Conditions note will not be accepted as an entry.
7. The winner will be determined at random from all entries. Only one entry per person.
8. Win £1,000 cash. The prize is non-transferable, and no alternative is available.
9. The promoter reserves to right to offer an alternative prize of equal value.
10. The winner will be kept informed as to the potential dates in advance of the prize being allocated. MXB Agency will keep engaged with the winner re dates, as advised by Musgrave Retail Partners Northern Ireland.
11. The Centra NI competition will begin on Monday 16^th November and will close on the Tuesday 15^th No exceptions.
12. Winners will be announced on Centra NI’s Facebook page. Musgrave Retail Partners Northern Ireland/MXB Agency will contact the winners via Facebook.
13. In the event that a winner cannot be contacted or does not respond within 48 hours to the winner notification, an alternative winner will be selected from entries.
14. Winners must agree to participate in any promotional activities that may be organised by the Promoter in connection with the Promotion without any further consent or payment.
15. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. You understand that you are providing your information to page owners of this promotion and not to Facebook. The information you provide will only be used for this promotion unless specific authorisation is given.
16. Persons entering the competition will be deemed to have accepted these terms and conditions.

June 7^th marks the second-ever World Food Safety Day. This international day is an opportunity to strengthen efforts to ensure that the food we eat is safe.

As we all navigate a new normal, safeguarding consumers and global supply chains has never been more essential. What better time than now to highlight that Food Safety is Everyone’s Business, the theme of the 2020 World Food Safety Day.

Whether you grow, process, transport, store, distribute, sell, prepare, serve or consume food, you have a role to play in keeping it safe. This is a chance to recognize the people who help keep our food safe.  Take part in the celebration!

This year is also about promoting awareness and urging action by highlighting what everyone can do to ensure food safety.  To find out more visit:

www.fao.org/fao-who-codexalimentarius/world-food-safety-day/en/

www.who.int/news-room/campaigns/world-food-safety-day/2020

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR FRONTLINE WORKERS & GET BEHIND FUNDRAISING INITIATIVE TO SUPPORT NHS CHARITIES AND ACTION CANCER

Centra and SuperValu stores across Northern Ireland are delighted to announce their partnership with a local charity initiative showing support for the NHS and all frontline workers.

People across Northern Ireland are getting behind the initiative displaying the balloon shaped sticker on their cars and house windows.  Developed by Belfast signage company, SignLink, the vinyl stickers which include a rainbow and the message ‘Thank you NHS and all frontline workers’, alongside a call to ‘Stay Safe’, are now available to purchase in SuperValu and Centra stores.

All proceeds will go to NHS charities and Action Cancer – the long-standing charity partner of Centra and SuperValu

Commenting on the initiative, Desi Derby, Marketing Director for Centra and SuperValu in NI said:

 “We are delighted to get behind this fantastic initiative and have been working with SignLink and Alexander Boyd displays to get the stickers into our SuperValu and Centra stores across Northern Ireland.  Initially we displayed the stickers on our fleet of lorries and following fantastic feedback we decided we needed to give our customers the opportunity to show their support.

 “We are all aware of the heroic work of our NHS staff and frontline workers and this initiative provides a small way to say thank you.  At this time of crisis, our charity partner Action Cancer is seeing a substantial drop in income so to be able to help support them is extremely important to us.”

 With fundraising events cancelled and Action Cancer retail shops closed as a result of the Covid-19 Pandemic, the charity needs to raise vital funds, so it can provide life-saving cancer prevention, detection and support services to those most in need as soon as services can get back up and running.

These are the current participating Centra stores where you can purchase a sticker

Antrim

Armagh Deansbridge

Ballinamallard

Ballinderry

Ballygawley

Ballymagorry

Ballymena

Banbridge Church Street

Bangor Balloo Rd

Belfast Beechmount Ave

Belfast Stranmillis Road

Belfast York Road

Belleek

Beragh Curr Road

Bushmills

Carrickfergus Prince Andrew Way

Carrickfergus Woodburn Rd

Carryduff

Clogher

Cloughey

Coleraine

Conlig

Crossmaglen

Culcavy

Derry Buncrana Road

Derry Creggan Road

Derry Culmore

Derry Strand Rd

Derrylin

Dervock

Donaghmore

Draperstown

Dungiven

Enniskillen

Enniskillen Drumlyon

Gilford

Glenshane

Greencastle

Greysteel

Holywood

Irvinestown Main St

Islandbawn

Junction 1

Keady

Killinchy

Kilrea

Lake Road

Larne

Legahory

Limavady Ballyquin Road

Lisburn Ballynahinch Road

Lisburn Longstone Street

Lisburn White Mountain

Maghera

Magherafelt Centra

Magherafelt, The Diamond

Magheralin

Newcastle

Newry Greenbank

Newtownabbey O’Neill Rd

Omagh

Omagh Brookmount

Omagh Dromore Road

Portadown Dobbin Road

Portadown Gilford Road

Portaferry

Portglenone

Toome

Trory

Westwinds

Over the last week, Musgrave’s network of over 200 SuperValu, Centra and MACE stores across Northern Ireland and Musgrave MarketPlace branches in Belfast, Lurgan and Derry~Londonderry have experienced unprecedented surges in demand due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

As warehouse staff, delivery drivers and retail staff across Northern Ireland go above and beyond to keep shelves stocked with fresh food and essentials, a range of new social distancing measures are being implemented to safeguard customers and staff in SuperValu, Centra and MACE stores and Musgrave MarketPlace branches.

Michael McCormack, Managing Director of Musgrave in Northern Ireland explains: “Our customers will begin to notice a number of changes that we are introducing as part of our social distancing and preventative measures. We want to ensure that everyone is familiar with these changes and would ask that people have patience, as we all become accustomed to this new way of shopping – everything we are doing is for the health of our staff and customers.

 “When entering stores, customers will see reminders about social distancing at the entrance, along with hand sanitisers and we will have staff to manage the number of people going in-store. There will be limitations on the number of customers allowed in store at any one time, depending on the store size. We would ask people to bear with us and respect the directions given in-store.

“Once in-store, we would ask everyone to respect each other’s space and avoid contact with other customers by observing a social distance of two metres. At checkouts, customers may notice tape on the floor, or signs showing them how far to stay apart from each other in the queue. Where possible, we are asking customers to use contactless payments or mobile phone payments for larger purchases; and to observe any directions given in-store over the tannoy, or as directed by signage.”

Protective screens are being rolled out across the network this week.  Stores are also working hard to provide additional support to elderly and less able customers, who are being prioritised, as Michael explains:

“Many of our stores have tailored solutions in place that best suit their customers, whether it’s dedicated staff to help these groups with their shopping in-store, dedicated times allocated to them, or the ability to phone in their order in advance and simply collect it or have it delivered. We would ask people with any concerns to call ahead for guidance or check the store’s social media channels. We would remind the wider public to buy only what they need to make sure that others do not have to go without.”

Musgrave has also been working closely with the NI Executive as well as the retail and food industry bodies to ensure its stores can continue to meet the demand and ensure that families across Northern Ireland can put food on the table every day.

 Michael McCormack said: “I would like to publicly thank our team of retailers, staff in stores, drivers, warehouse staff and suppliers for what can only be described as their herculean efforts to ensure our shelves are replenished every day. At this time of crisis, our teams are going above and beyond and doing a fantastic job.”

 

 

 

SuperValu and Centra join forces with Action Cancer to deliver Health Action Schools Programme and increase awareness of healthy lifestyle choices.

Teachers can nominate schools taking part in the Health Action Programme to have a chance of winning £5,000 worth of sports equipment.

Leading convenience retailers SuperValu and Centra are calling for help to encourage local schools to avail of Action Cancer’s Health Action Programme and are offering a prize fund of £5,000 of sports equipment.  To be in with a chance of winning, teachers just need to nominate their school via entry forms available here https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/2020HealthActionAwards.

The judging panel, which features Cool FM DJ Pete Snodden, will meet in July with finalists then invited to an exciting awards ceremony in September at the home of Ulster Rugby, Kingspan Stadium.

The Health Action Programme is all about encouraging young people to make healthier lifestyle choices.   In operation since 2003 and having worked with nearly 500,000 pupils so far across Northern Ireland, the programme is open to primary and secondary schools and is delivered by a team of health promotion experts.

You can express your interest by visiting https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/2020HealthActionAwards, emailing schools@actioncancer.org or calling 028 9080 3370.

All nursery/primary/secondary schools who have had a Health Action Programme delivered since the start of September 2019 through to the end of June 2020 are eligible to apply.

Desi Derby Marketing Director of SuperValu and Centra NI said: “Encouraging a healthy lifestyle message among the younger generation is important and something we at SuperValu and Centra passionately support. We believe the work Action Cancer are doing in schools can reduce the risks of cancer in later life, so our focus is in raising as much money as possible across our store network and head office to enable Action Cancer to continue providing this fantastic service”.

Gareth Kirk, CEO of Action Cancer, said: “The schools Health Action Programme is an excellent initiative, empowering local children to make the right choices when it comes to their health and lifestyles. Last year, our team engaged with 14,000 children through the delivery of 530 sessions in schools across Northern Ireland.  We are delighted that SuperValu and Centra are offering this great prize and would encourage all schools to get involved.”

SuperValu and Centra have been partnering with Action Cancer since 2001 and last year reached a landmark fundraising achievement, raising £3 million – one of the largest amounts ever by a company for an individual charity in Northern Ireland.