A fundraising campaign entitled “The world needs women” was run at all DeSPAR, EUROSPAR and INTERSPAR stores in Northeast Italy from 25 February to 6 March.

The proceeds of the campaign went to four local women’s organisations – one in each region that SPAR Partner, DeSPAR Nordest operates. Commenting on the importance of the campaign, CEO of DeSPAR Nordest, Mr Paul Klotz said: “The aim of this fundraising campaign is not only to provide financial support, but also to showcase the great work these organisations are doing to help women in difficult situations.

“Ultimately, we should make it possible for women to contribute fully and freely to the world on a human, professional and creative level. At DeSPAR, we really value the vital contributions of these organisations, since more than 65% of our employees are women.”

The charity chosen in the Veneto region was Gruppo Polis, a group of five socially engaged co-ops that have been helping people in need for more than 25 years. The money donated will support a women’s shelter and it will also provide assistance to women who are victims of violence and trafficking.

In the Friuli Venezia Giulia region, the donation goes to A.N.D.O.S, an organisation that provides practical and psychological support to women who have undergone surgery to treat breast cancer.

In Trentino – Alto Adige, the beneficiary is Casa delle donne / Frauenhaus, a project of GEA, an organisation counselling women who have experienced situations of oppression, abuse and violence. The project involves a counselling centre and a safe house for women in need of accommodation.

In Emilia Romagna, the recipient organisation is WINNER (Welfare and Innovation in Emilia Romagna), which works to promote employment among women. It also provides accommodation for women in need and their underage children.

DeSPAR Nordest made the donation to the four organisations on 8 March, International Women’s Day. Last year, DeSPAR ran a fundraising campaign called “I thought it was love” in Friuli Venezia Giulia, which donated €120,000 euros to the anti-violence projects of local charity, Health Centre 3. The business plans to continue such activities throughout the course of 2016.