SuperValu and Centra stores raise record-breaking amount for Action Cancer
SuperValu and Centra stores across Northern Ireland raised a staggering £223,444 in 2023 for their long-term charity partner, Action Cancer.
This is the largest amount ever raised by the retail brands, which are part of Musgrave NI, in one year, and will help keep the charity’s mobile detection unit, the Big Bus on the road.
Fundraising initiatives throughout the year, including the Sponsor a Mammogram and the Frank and Honest coffee Time to Espresso we Care campaign, were ardently supported by SuperValu and Centra retailers and their teams, and by caring customers who gave so generously.
Desi Derby, Director of Marketing for SuperValu and Centra said: “I am absolutely delighted by the amount of money raised by our customers, retail partners, and colleagues for Action Cancer during 2023 and want to thank every single person who contributed, for their support.
“There are very few partnerships that have this type of longevity, and to have raised this incredible total in 2023, which was also Action Cancer’s 50th anniversary year, demonstrates support for the charity is stronger than ever. I am very proud that these funds will help ensure the Big Bus continues to visit communities across Northern Ireland, saving lives, and enable Action Cancer to deliver its health education programme in schools across Northern Ireland.”
‘Without the incredible financial support of SuperValu and Centra, The Big Bus would simply not exist’
Gareth Kirk, Action Cancer CEO added: “The partnership between SuperValu and Centra is one of the longest and most enduring charity partnerships across these islands. Without the incredible financial support of SuperValu and Centra, the Action Cancer mobile clinic The Big Bus would simply not exist.
“The Big Bus is truly a one-off vehicle with no similar vehicle with onboard free breast and skin cancer detection services operating anywhere else in Europe.
“This life-saving service is only made possible through the incredible generosity of the Musgrave Group and its superb customers – thank you. Together we have not only made a difference to the lives of local people and communities, but through early detection of cancer, saved lives.”
In addition to 2023 being Action’s Cancer’s 50th anniversary year, it was also a very special year for the Big Bus, the year when yet another unique life-saving service was introduced, a skin cancer detection service.
Throughout 2023, the Big Bus visited 119 communities across Northern Ireland. A total of 2,122 mammograms were completed, providing reassurance to women in these locations and detecting early-stage breast cancers in nine women, who had no symptoms. As a result of onboard health checks, 838 people were referred to their GP for further investigation. Nearly 600 men and women were assessed for a potential skin cancer resulting in some 9% being directly “red flagged” into the hospital system for further assessment.
