SPAR Italy Partner, Aspiag Service, has donated the sum of €100,000 towards the replanting of forests destroyed by heavy storms. A fundraising campaign ran in all DESPAR, EUROSPAR and INTERSPAR stores in the Veneto region raised €60,000, whilst the remaining €40,000 was made as a direct donation by the SPAR Partner.

The fundraising campaign – Replanting Starts Here – ran in the month of November with the aim of supporting the Veneto region’s local government in replanting the mountain forests destroyed by extreme weather conditions in late October, last year.

“Extreme weather conditions have hit our homes, the mountains we love and where many of us were either born or still live,” said Mr. Montalvo. “We found it our duty to express our social responsibility through a practical deed, supporting the areas that were struck. We want to thank our customers, who as usual reacted generously and quickly to support our call. Together with the regional government, we will decide on the projects that will be funded by this donation.”

Mr. Zaia added: “Images of the Veneto forests felled by the storms are among the most impressive and painful from this natural disaster. Our gratitude goes to DESPAR for helping us heal such a deep wound. It is meaningful and comforting to know that many companies are running initiatives to support us. Their social role is matched by their importance and quality.”

Aspiag’s Managing Director, Arcangelo Francesco Montalvo, and Marketing Director, Fabio Donà, handed over the donation to the President of the Veneto region, Luca Zaia.

Source: DESPAR Northeast

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About SPAR Italy

SPAR International first granted a licence for the operation of the SPAR Brand to SPAR Italy in 1959. The first store opened in the latter part of 1960 and with it, SPAR became the first partnership of retailers and wholesalers to operate in Italy. SPAR Italy, known locally as DESPAR Italia, licenses regional partners, all of whom work together to grow the brand across the country.

The DESPAR Partners operate stores under three formats: DESPAR Neighbourhood Supermarkets, EUROSPAR Supermarkets and INTERSPAR Hypermarkets. Many of the larger format stores are company-owned, reflecting the scale of investment required. While the majority of the company’s turnover is acquired through these larger format stores, the independently owned neighbourhood supermarkets remain a key part of the business.