Dealz raises over €772,000 during 11-year Make-A-Wish Ireland partnership
Print4 October 2022
Discount retailer, Dealz has thanked its colleagues and customers for helping raise €772,932 for its charity partner, Make-A-Wish Ireland, during a relationship which has spanned eleven years.
The charity has one simple aim – to grant wishes to children living with life-threatening medical conditions and a great number of these have been made possible as a direct result of the fundraising activities at Dealz stores throughout Ireland.
Make-A-Wish has been Dealz’ charity partner in the Republic of Ireland since September 2011, and that relationship has blossomed over the past decade. Colleagues and customers have combined to raise money for the charity, which has granted over 2,200 wishes for brave children in Ireland since its inception in 1992.
The final year of the partnership saw Dealz raise an impressive €100,772 for Make-A-Wish, taking the overall total to €772,932.
All Dealz stores rose to the challenge of raising money during the 11-year partnership however, the Tallaght store went above and beyond, raising over €6,000 – the most of any of Dealz’ stores.
“I want to thank all of our colleagues and customers who gave so generously of their time and money down through the years to support our friends at Make-A-Wish,” said country operations manager Olivia McLoughlin,
“The Tallaght store really did go above and beyond with their fundraising efforts and I know the money they raised has been put to very good use creating amazing memories for some very brave children,” she added.
“We have come through a pandemic and a cost-of-living crisis not seen for generations, but still our customers didn’t hesitate to dig deep for this wonderful charity. It never ceases to amaze me just how generous people are.
“The money was raised as a result of our colleagues taking part in a multitude of sponsored events and challenges. They have really embraced our partnership with Make-A-Wish, giving their time so selflessly to benefit others, it really has been humbling to witness our stores in action during the past 11 years.”
Money has been raised through a series of events across the 70-plus Dealz stores in Ireland, such as raffles, fancy dress days, pyjama days and sponsored runs.
During the past year alone, fundraising activities have included in store raffles, dress up and down days, five a side football between stores and areas, cake bake sales, dyeing-hair challenges, shaving heads, talent competition and even climbing mountains.
“The support our charity has received from Dealz over the past 11 years is greatly appreciated,” said Make-A-Wish CEO, Susan McQuaid O’Dwyer.
“We are so thankful for our 11-year partnership with Dealz and at the outset, could never have envisaged such a fantastic total being raised,” she added. “These funds make a huge difference to our annual fundraising efforts and together, with Dealz, we have been able to grant truly memorable wishes for our wish children and their families.
“I want to echo what Olivia has said about the Dealz colleagues and customers; your generosity has been truly humbling, and we thank you for everything you have done to support our charity over the past 11 years.
“We believe a wish can have a lasting impact on a child’s life. A wish involves the whole family and can create moments of joy – and memories that last a lifetime,” she added.
Related Articles
Sweet disposition →
Tesco opens new Limerick store, creates 33 jobs →
Shortlist announced for Grocery Management Awards 2024 →
Fans 0
Followers