A host of retail teams across Northern Ireland are preparing to welcome the launch of an all-new fundraising initiative, the Big Daisy Day Out, in aid of Cancer Fund for Children.
The event, which is proudly supported by Barista Bar Coffee, will see over 90 EUROSPAR and ViVOXTRA stores host a range of activities across the weekend of the 25th – 27th September.
From coffee and bake sales, to raffles and games, performances from local choirs and dance groups, and lots of other family friendly activities will all be held in aid of the charity, which the stores have been partnered with since 2011.
In the lead up to the event, shoppers have been picking up a free daisy colouring template instore for children to decorate and return to be part of the daisy chain which will be displayed in stores across the Big Daisy Day Out weekend (Friday 25th – Sunday 27th September).
Cancer Fund for Children fundraises year-round, with September’s Childhood Cancer Awareness Month providing a focused opportunity to raise awareness of the impact of childhood cancer on young people and families.
Cancer Fund for Children Young Ambassador Lucy (13), from Belfast, has been supported by the charity since her mum Karen was diagnosed with breast cancer in January 2023. Prior to her mum’s diagnosis, Lucy’s family were already navigating her older sister Leancha’s diagnosis of ovarian cancer in March 2021. Leancha sadly died in August 2023. Leancha’s husband Christopher and daughter Meabh have also been supported by Cancer Fund for Children following Leancha’s diagnosis, throughout treatment and ultimately their bereavement.
The support provided to the entire family during some of the most difficult times in their lives has been invaluable, helping them to cope with the emotional impact of cancer, grief and loss. Seeing first-hand the difference the charity made to her family inspired Lucy to become a Young Ambassador, using her voice and experience to support other young people impacted by cancer.
Phil Alexander, CEO at Cancer Fund for Children commented, “I would like to extend a huge thank you to EUROSPAR and ViVOXTRA store teams and their shoppers for their ongoing support. The Community Coffee mornings have gone from strength to strength every year and it’s fantastic to see the refresh into the Big Daisy Day Out this year, welcoming shoppers to enjoy a full weekend of exciting activities in their local store. The dedication and passion to fundraising from the stores and shoppers is invaluable to us and to the families we support.”
Bethany Priestley from EUROSPAR NI added, “At the start of this year we celebrated 15 years of our charity partnership and raising an amazing total of £2.2 million for Cancer Fund for Children. This incredible milestone reflects the commitment and dedication of our store teams and generosity of our shoppers. This year, it felt like the right time to refresh our coffee mornings and introduce the Big Daisy Day Out.
“The coffee mornings played a huge role in raising over £2 million for the charity, this refresh will enable creativity for our store teams and shoppers and provide even more of an opportunity for our stores to connect with their local communities.
“Over the years, this partnership and money raised has allowed Cancer Fund for Children to reach even more young people and their families to support them through diagnosis and beyond. This is such an important weekend, and we look forward to welcoming everyone to their local stores to get involved and enjoy the Big Daisy Day Out, while raising money for such a deserving charity.”
Shoppers can visit any EUROSPAR or ViVOXTRA store throughout the weekend, including flagship stores EUROSPAR Maghera, EUROSPAR Springfield Road, EUROSPAR Fintona, ViVOXTRA Saintfield, EUROSPAR Crossmaglen and Swift's EUROSPAR Lisnaskea, which are all hosting fundraising events Friday 25th – Sunday 27th September. View the full list of stores here.
To donate to the Big Daisy Day Out, visit the donation page.