On today’s International Day of Charity, we highlight initiatives that reflect SPAR’s commitment to helping communities thrive, ranging from cultural and social inclusion in Gran Canaria, grassroots funding in the UK, and children’s aid in Hungary, to cancer support in South Africa, and donations to local fire brigades in Croatia and Slovenia.
SPAR Gran Canaria strengthens community ties through culture and inclusion
SPAR Gran Canaria has renewed its partnership with the Canarian Ochosílabas Foundation and the School of Verseadores for the seventh year. This initiative supports the teaching and spreading of Canarian verse tradition, with nearly 1,000 members, including schoolchildren and occupational centre users. Two adult verse schools are already established, with new ones forming in Tasarte and Santa Brígida. SPAR Gran Canaria also continues its collaboration with the Down Syndrome Association of Las Palmas, now launching ‘Cooking with SPAR Gran Canaria’ workshops in a newly renovated space. These efforts aim to foster autonomy and inclusion for people in the association.
SPAR UK’s Community Cashback campaign supports local causes
SPAR UK’s annual Community Cashback campaign awarded £100,000 to over 65 grassroots organisations across the UK. Now in its fourth year, the initiative continues to grow and impact important local causes and was further strengthened by contributions from SPAR UK’s regional wholesalers. SPAR shoppers across the UK nominated thousands of local charities, voluntary groups and good causes, with winners ranging from youth and disability support to mental health and community sport. Since launching in 2021, the SPAR Community Cashback campaign has awarded grants to nearly 200 community organisations, underlining SPAR UK’s long-term commitment to investing in local communities and projects that matter most.
James Hall & Co. donates £5,800 to charities after lottery win
James Hall & Co. Ltd, SPAR UK’s wholesaler for the North of England, donated £5,800 to local charities after three stores sold high-value National Lottery winning tickets. The stores received rewards through Allwyn’s ‘Share the Win’ scheme and chose to pass them on to good causes. Donations went to the Willowbrook Hospice, the children’s cardiac charity CHUF, the Macrae House Community Centre, and Andy’s Man Club. The gesture highlights the charitable spirit of SPAR store teams and their commitment to supporting local communities.
SPAR Hungary supports children in need with its “Giving is a Joy!” campaign
In partnership with the Hungarian Charity Service of the Order of Malta, SPAR Hungary ran its annual “Giving is a Joy!” campaign throughout August. From 1–31 August, customers could purchase donation cards at INTERSPAR Hypermarkets to support children in need. The funds raised will be used to provide school bags, pencil cases, and essential supply packages.
SPAR Women’s Challenge in South Africa supports children with cancer
The SPAR Women’s Challenge started over 30 years ago in South Africa to bring women of all ages and fitness levels together. It has grown into the country’s most popular road race, with over a million women participating over the years. Today, it includes seven races across South Africa and one in Namibia, celebrating fitness, fun, and community spirit. This year, the official charity is CHOC (Childhood Cancer Foundation SA), with funds going to support CHOC House in Pietermaritzburg. The money will help provide housing, meals, transport, and emotional support for children with cancer and their families.
SPAR brand support for fire brigades to mark store openings in Croatia and Slovenia
SPAR Croatia and SPAR Slovenia regularly support local fire brigades when opening new stores or reopening existing ones, showing their strong commitment to the community.
In August, SPAR Slovenia donated €1,500 to the Sevnica Volunteer Fire Brigade during the reopening of the SPAR supermarket in town, helping fund the renovation of intervention garages. At the end of July, SPAR Croatia donated €2,000 to the Dugopolje Volunteer Fire Department when opening a new supermarket, supporting the purchase of extinguishers and firefighting equipment.
Source: SPAR Gran Canaria, SPAR UK, SPAR Hungary, SPAR Croatia, SPAR Slovenia
