INTERSPAR Austria has donated €64,000 to DEBRA Austria and EB-Haus Austria in Salzburg, continuing a partnership to support people living with Epidermolysis bullosa (EB), a rare skin condition that causes extreme skin fragility and painful blisters. The donation was made possible through customer purchases of butterfly-shaped pastries, contributions from INTERSPAR team members, and the company’s annual corporate donation.

For nearly two decades, INTERSPAR Austria has supported the EB patient organisation DEBRA Austria and EB-Haus Austria, a specialist clinic for people living with Epidermolysis bullosa.

Butterfly-shaped pastries

Known as “Schmetterlingsbrot”, or butterfly bread, the butterfly-shaped pastries have become a symbol of hope. They are produced with genuine craftsmanship by bakers in INTERSPAR Austria’s eight regional bakeries.

By purchasing these handmade butterfly-shaped pastries during the 2025 campaign period, INTERSPAR Austria customers supported DEBRA Austria and EB-Haus Austria.

Specialist care for butterfly children

EB-Haus Austria is a specialist clinic for people living with Epidermolysis bullosa. Patients with Epidermolysis bullosa are called “butterfly children”, as their skin is as fragile as the wings of a butterfly. At EB-Haus Austria, affected people and their families receive help, care, and hope for relief.

Comprehensive support for affected families

In addition to specialised medical treatment, research, and the education and training of healthcare professionals, DEBRA Austria offers social counselling and psychological support for affected families. The patient organisation also provides financial support for services not covered by the public healthcare system. DEBRA Austria also operates EB-Haus Austria in Salzburg. The organisation is funded through donations, helping to give affected people hope for better therapies and a life with less pain.

Johannes Holzleitner, Managing Director of INTERSPAR Austria, said: “For almost two decades, together with our SPAR team members and customers, we have supported DEBRA Austria and EB-Haus Austria. I am particularly pleased that, in this way, we can make a contribution to medical care, research, and above all to the people living with the rare disease EB. My sincere thanks go to everyone who supports this initiative year after year.”

Source: SPAR Austria

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About SPAR Austria

The origins of the SPAR brand in Austria date back to 1954. The current SPAR AG was created in 1970 when the original founding families joined other regional wholesalers to form SPAR Austria AG – a 100% privately owned Austrian company. Company-owned stores operate throughout the country in the multi-format retail strategy developed since the 1960’s whilst independent retailers operate under sub-licence from SPAR Austria and continue building the brand’s presence.