Supervalu launches search to find local community superstars
Supervalu encourages people to nominate their local heroes as it launches its search to find Northern Ireland’s most inspirational individuals.
Returning for the third year, the Supervalu SuperStars initiative recognises and celebrates the real-life superstars who have gone above and beyond the call of duty, to make a positive impact within their local communities.
Building on the success of last year’s event, Supervalu will help to capture the inspiring work of people across the whole spectrum of Northern Ireland society. This year’s five award categories include; ‘Young SuperStar’, ‘Fundraising SuperStar’, ‘Unsung SuperStar’, ‘Community Group SuperStar’ and ‘Social Enterprise SuperStar’, with the Overall SuperValu Superstar 2019 being selected from the category winners.
Finalists will attend a glittering award ceremony in Titanic Hotel on November 21, 2019, hosted by Pamela Ballantine. Each finalist will receive SuperValu vouchers at the event, while the overall winner will receive £1,000 for themselves and a £1,000 donation to a registered charity of their choice.
New for this year, anyone who nominates their Supervalu SuperStar will also be in with the chance of winning a fabulous prize, with one ski holidays for two to Bulgaria, sponsored by Balkan Holidays up for grabs.
“Through the Supervalu Superstars initiative, we are proud to provide a platform to celebrate and honour our local community heroes,” said Brendan Gallen, head of marketing, Supervalu. “These people work tirelessly to make a positive difference to those around them; we want to celebrate these people and the sense of community spirit that makes this such a great place to live.
“We received an incredible number of nominations last year and as we launch our search to find our SuperValu Superstars for 2019, we’re calling on everyone to help us uncover the inspiring people in their communities. So, if your friend, family member, neighbour, work colleague or someone in your community deserves recognition, this is your chance to give them their moment in the spotlight.”
Last year hundreds of nominations were received, with over 30 inspiring individuals honoured as finalists at the grand finale event at Titanic Hotel. Brendan Morgan, a 12-year-old from Crossgar, was named Young SuperStar, as well as being highly commended for the care he provides to his mother. His mum, a single parent who suffers from a serious debilitating illness, nominated him for the award to recognise his selfless character, which is inspiring at such a young age.
Other winners included Andrew Smith from Dungiven, who was recognised for his exceptional fundraising achievements, spanning almost a decade and raising a total of £90,000 for a number of regional charities and Leisa Smith, a photographer from the North West, who donates her spare time to the Lavender Suite in Altnagelvin Hospital, where she offers her photography services to families who have lost their children at birth. Tracy Collins from Cookstown, chairperson of Team Aspie, picked up the Community Group SuperStar award or her work in her local community to support young people with autism and Asperger’s.
Supervalu SuperStars media partners are The Sun and U105. The initiative is sponsored by Action Cancer, Denny, Dove, Kinder Ice Cream, Philadelphia and RiverRock.
For further information and to nominate your local SuperStar, visit www.supervalu.co.uk.
