EUROSPAR Gilford has marked its official opening with a series of community engagements, including a donation to one of the area’s most important charities.

Changing Lives NI, the local mental health and associated addiction charity based in the Co. Down village received a donation of £500 from the team at the local store, which will go towards them continuing their vital services for the area.

The charity was established recently due to a number of suicides in the area, with local families and friends deeply affected, including those working in the new store.

Danielle Martin, Store Manager of EUROSPAR Gilford explains; “Our store is run by local people and we have a huge amount of care for what matters to them, their friends, families and our neighbours. As a team, we made the decision to support Changing Lives NI long-term, beginning with this donation alongside some tea, coffee and buns for the opening of their new premises.”

Leeanne Carey from Changing Lives NI added; “We have been blown away by the generosity of our new neighbours at EUROSPAR Gilford, who have not only donated such an incredible sum of money that will make a huge difference for those we help, but they have pledged their continued support which means we can look even further to the future and broaden our services.

“We have recently opened new premises, and the team also donated plants and flowers, which were planted by McGaffin Contracts, in our flower beds and window boxes, making our drop-in centre even more inviting. We just think their care for the community already is amazing!”

Community is at the core of everything the store will do locally, building long term and meaningful relationships that will make a difference in the local area.

Stacey Hebborn is the store’s community representative, who has been out and about with Danielle, meeting the different groups, charities and organisations the store will support.

Stacey commented; “The community of Gilford do so much for each other and we are delighted to be able to help support those organisations and groups that are important to our neighbours. We have engaged with Gilford Toddler Group and Gilford Boxing Club, while sponsoring Dunbarton Bowling Club and Gilford Crusaders Football Club with on-pitch signage.”

Gilford Crusaders have recently launched their youth football team, sponsored by EUROSPAR Gilford.

Stacey continued; “The new youth team will be a brilliant outlet for local children to enjoy the game and be part of a team. We love seeing the kids out and about in the community with their new branded kits – we’re very proud to be their sponsor.”

In addition, the store team will support Bannvale Special Education Centre, which provides a day care service for adults. The store has donated products for the centre’s various activities and coffee mornings, while they also carried out a litter picking morning at Gilford Riverside Walk, an area used regularly by the residents.

EUROSPAR Gilford will also be a drop off spot for Totspot, the children’s clothing bank based at Gilford Presbyterian Church. The store also donated nappies, baby wipes and washing powder to help out their services.

Danielle finished; “Our recent opening has helped us forge lasting relationships with many people and groups here in Gilford, and we look forward to growing those connections over the years.

“I’d also like to thank pupils from Gilford Primary School and St. John’s Primary School for their fantastic colouring-in projects as part of our ‘Colour My New EUROSPAR’ competition – we were very proud to have them on display for our opening, alongside the lovely decorated hearts they gifted to us, showing we are at the heart of their community.”

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