SPAR has announced that Cystic Fibrosis Ireland will be its new national charity partner for the next two years. SPAR has vowed to raise up to €300,000 during this time for Cystic Fibrosis Ireland through collection boxes in 400 SPAR stores nationwide, a donation on selected SPAR Own Brand products and a number of key events.

To mark this new partnership, SPAR Ireland recently hosted a coffee morning at luxury Dublin members club, Residence. The event was attended by well-known cystic fibrosis campaigner, Jillian McNulty, who successfully campaigned for the government funding of the Orkambi drug, which is used to treat the underlying causes of the disease.

Philip Watt, CEO Cystic Fibrosis Ireland said: “We would like to thank SPAR for choosing Cystic Fibrosis Ireland as their chosen charity. CF is a genetically inherited disease that primarily affects the lungs and the digestive system. Ireland has the highest incidence of cystic fibrosis in the world. Unfortunately there is no cure for cystic fibrosis, but medical and scientific research has greatly improved the treatment of this disease in recent years.”

Willie O’Byrne, Managing Director, BWG Foods (owners and operators of the SPAR Brand in Ireland) said: “SPAR is proud to work with Cystic Fibrosis Ireland as our charity partner. We hope that our support will continue to help improve the quality of the lives of those living with cystic fibrosis in Ireland. Aside from our charity boxes in stores, we will also be making a regular donation from the sale of our SPAR Own brand products and be involved in a number of fundraising events to raise as much funds as possible for Cystic Fibrosis Ireland.”

The funds raised by SPAR will be used to support the independent living of those with cystic fibrosis. Those living with this disease face many challenges in areas such as education, health, housing, employment and family support.

Cystic Fibrosis Ireland (CFI) is a voluntary organisation that was set up in 1963 to improve treatment and facilities for people with cystic fibrosis in Ireland. CFI seeks to provide the best possible quality of life for people with cystic fibrosis by raising funds through fundraising and donations from the public.