8|Retail News|February 2021|www.retailnews.ie
News
Mace launches national fundraising initiative for Down Syndrome Ireland MACE has launched a national fundraising campaign to support Down Syndrome Ireland (DSI), following a renewal of their charity partnership. The Mace fundraising campaign will provide much-needed funds for the launch of a new online education course developed by DSI in response to the impact of the global pandemic on its members. The 10-week course ‘Ability Online’ will provide supports to adults with Down syndrome who have been left more isolated, with significant job losses and limited options to engage with further education and other life activities due to Covid-19. The first €10,000 raised by Mace retailers allows DSI to set up and deliver the first 10-week-online course, which began on February 15, with every €5,000 raised thereafter funding an additional course. Funds are being raised through a combination of countertop charity boxes
in Mace stores across the country, a contribution from the sale of selected Mace own brand products and, Covid-19 restrictions allowing, a number of fundraising activities throughout the year. Since adopting Down Syndrome Ireland as Mace’s official charity partner in 2017, Mace retailers have engaged in a number of initiatives designed to raise awareness and funds for the worthy charity and in the last two years have raised a total of €170,000 in funds. “In the last 12 months, Mace retailers have seen first-hand just how important our contribution is to the communities we serve and above all, in helping those most vulnerable,” noted Daniel O’Connell, Mace Sales Director. “We are extremely proud therefore, to have renewed our partnership with DSI and to support this initiative, which will provide meaningful opportunities to adults with Down syndrome to engage, socialise and look for employment opportunities.”
Lidl to recruit 1,200 new staff LIDL Ireland is to recruit more than 1,200 new employees to its Irish operations this year in a variety of operational and office-based roles across its store network of 168 store locations, three regional distribution centres and Dublin head office. The new roles are being created to support Lidl’s growing footprint of stores nationwide that will see the country’s fastest growing retailer (Source: Kantar) open six new stores, carry out seven rebuilds of existing stores, as well as embark on a €75m expansion project on its Mullingar regional distribution centre. Successful candidates will be offered the retailer’s market-leading benefits packages and award-winning learning & development opportunities within in the business. Recently awarded Best Covid-19 Response by a Retailer at the Irish Quality Food Awards, the retailer’s frontline workers’ dedication has not gone unnoticed and Lidl has now also committed to a €2m investment in a Covid Employee Bonus for all employees on the island of Ireland, the third Covid bonus offered by the retailer to recognise the valiant efforts of their essential workers during the pandemic. The announcement comes as Lidl is one of just 14 Irish companies recognised by the Top Employers Institute as a Top Employer for 2021. “Our most important asset has always been our people, and 2020 has reinforced that they are in fact the bedrock of our business, which is why we have prioritised building not only an exceptional place to work, but also an inclusive, rewarding and fulfilling culture at Lidl for our employees,” said Maeve McCleane, Director of Human Resources at Lidl Ireland & Northern Ireland. “It is with great pride that we accept this year’s Top Maeve McCleane, Director Employers certification and I look forward of Human Resources at Lidl to welcoming many new colleagues to team Ireland & Northern Ireland. Lidl in the coming months.”
Daniel O’Connell, Mace Sales Director.
CSNA launches wellbeing and digital support for members THE Convenience Stores and Newsagents Association has partnered with Spectrum. Life to provide valuable mental health and wellbeing supports for CSNA members and their employees nationwide in 2021. Spectrum.Life is the largest provider of employer health and wellness services in Ireland, looking after the health and wellness needs of over one million users. “We are delighted to be partnering with Spectrum.Life to provide our members with this very valuable support programme at a time of stress for our members,” noted Gus O’Hara, CSNA Deals Chairperson. “Spectrum.Life are a very welcomed addition to our portfolio of over 35 exclusive CSNA Deals partners.” Stephen Costello, Spectrum.Life CEO, said, “We recognise that the uncertainty and mental health challenges posed by the Coronavirus and supporting employees’ wellbeing has never been more important and look forward to supporting CSNA members in 2021.” For more information visit www.csna.ie.
