SPAR Community Fund offers Mayo clubs and groups the chance to win €60,000 in funding

SPAR is inviting all community clubs and groups across Mayo to apply for a chance to win €10,000 in funding and a meet and greet with brand ambassador and Olympic gold medallist Kellie Harrington as part of their new SPAR 60th Community Fund which was launched today.

For 60 years, SPAR retailers are proud to have served the communities in which they are rooted, and the new initiative will see SPAR invest €60,000 back into local communities to drive positive change and impact. Through the SPAR 60th Community Fund, six local community clubs, groups or programmes will be rewarded with €10,000 each, along with the chance to meet Olympic Champion Kellie Harrington and take her on in a fun series of challenges this summer.

This campaign builds on SPAR’s established Community Fund initiative which was launched in December 2021. This announcement will see Ireland’s leading convenience retailer direct investment reaching €80,000 into deserving community projects across the country, something that is indicative of SPAR’s ongoing commitment of giving back to local communities and their customers.

Local clubs who enter the SPAR 60th Community Fund, not only have the chance of winning €10,000 but they will also be invited to a meet and greet session with SPAR ambassador and Olympic Champion Kellie Harrington this summer, engaging in fun activities together and it is a chance for Kellie to learn about the successful clubs and the vital work they undertake in their local community.

SPAR and Kellie are inviting all community groups to apply for a chance to win. Applications are now open and will close on April 30.

Launching the SPAR 60th Community Fund, brand ambassador Kellie Harrington said: "The SPAR 60th Community Fund is a massive boost to what is a project that I’m really passionate about. Community means as much to me as it does to SPAR and I am delighted to once again be involved in boosting funds to people, clubs and programmes across Ireland who are bringing that sense of community and pride to where they live.

"I am really looking forward to meeting the winning clubs this summer and would encourage as many Mayo clubs as possible to enter, from dance clubs, to youth groups and retirement homes, the SPAR 60th Community Fund is open to everyone and it’s 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 on the announcement: “For 60 years, SPAR have been proud to serve local communities around the country. The SPAR 60th Community Fund is just one of the many initiatives we are launching this year to celebrate our birthday and it allows us to continue our ongoing work of rewarding and acknowledging the communities SPAR is embedded in. It is great to have our brand ambassador Kellie Harrington with us here today, who is consistently championing the importance of community in Ireland.”

SPAR announced a partnership with Kellie in November of 2021, supporting her journey to Paris 2024.