Mace launches national fundraising initiative for Down Syndrome Ireland; Lidl to recruit 1,200 new staff; CSNA launches wellbeing and digital support for members

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.”

Daniel O’Connell, Mace Sales Director.

LIDL Ireland is to recruit more than 1,200 new employees to its Irish operations Lidl to recruit 1,200 new staff CSNA launches wellbeing and this year network in of a variety 168 store of operational and office-based roles locations, three regional distribution across its store centres and Dublin digital support for head office. The new of stores nationwide roles are being created to that will see the country’s support Lidl’s growing footprint fastest growing retailer (Source: members Kantar) open six new stores, carry out seven rebuilds of existing stores, as well THE Convenience Stores and Newsagents 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. Association has partnered with Spectrum. Life to provide valuable mental health and wellbeing supports for CSNA members and Recently awarded Best Covid-19 Response by a Retailer at the Irish Quality their employees nationwide in 2021. Food Awards, the retailer’s frontline workers’ dedication has not gone unnoticed Spectrum.Life is the largest provider and Lidl has now also committed to a €2m investment in a Covid Employee of employer health and wellness services Bonus for all employees on the island of Ireland, the third Covid bonus offered by in Ireland, looking after the health and the retailer to recognise the valiant efforts of their essential workers during the wellness needs of over one million users. pandemic. The announcement comes as Lidl is one of just 14 Irish companies “We are delighted to be partnering with recognised by the Top Employers Institute Spectrum.Life to provide our members with as a Top Employer for 2021. this very valuable support programme at “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 a time of stress for our members,” noted Gus O’Hara, CSNA Deals Chairperson. “Spectrum.Life are a very welcomed building not only an exceptional place to addition to our portfolio of over 35 exclusive work, but also an inclusive, rewarding CSNA Deals partners.” and fulfilling culture at Lidl for our Stephen Costello, Spectrum.Life CEO, employees,” said Maeve McCleane, said, “We recognise that the uncertainty Director of Human Resources at Lidl and mental health challenges posed by the Ireland & Northern Ireland. “It is with Coronavirus and supporting employees’ Maeve McCleane, Director of Human Resources at Lidl Ireland & Northern Ireland. great pride that we accept this year’s Top Employers certification and I look forward to welcoming many new colleagues to team Lidl in the coming months.” wellbeing has never been more important and look forward to supporting CSNA members in 2021.” For more information visit www.csna.ie.