Sexton backs Topaz clubs initiative

Irish rugby international Jonathan Sexton has backed the return of Topaz’s Cash for Clubs initiative, giving clubs across the island of Ireland the chance to win up to €250,000 (£196,000) in cash prizes.

On hand to kick off the 2016 campaign was Topaz ambassador and Ireland Rugby international Jonathan Sexton, who joined the fuel and convenience retailer in encouraging clubs across the country to sign up and get involved.

Topaz, which has 444 forecourts across the island of Ireland said it wanted to help clubs struggling to raise investment to support the services and facilities they provide.

Topaz launched ‘Cash for Clubs’ in 2015, with Borrisoleigh GAA Club in County Tipperary winning the main prize of €10,000 (£7,800).

Marketing director of Topaz, Margaret Barron, said: “Topaz plays a significant role within communities across the country, each and every day, providing services and employment across our 32 county network.

“With that, we are very close to communities across Ireland and understand the value of clubs of all shapes and sizes. ‘Cash for Clubs’ was a huge success in its inaugural year in 2015.

“Topaz ‘Cash for Clubs’ is open to clubs of all types and sizes so, whether your local club is big or small, ballet or basketball, gymnastics or GAA, we encourage you to show your support and start collecting tokens at your local Topaz station.”

Jonathan Sexton added: “Clubs, sporting and non-sporting, play a huge role in Irish communities but are constantly faced with the challenge of raising funds to support their upkeep and development. It’s great to be involved in the Topaz ‘Cash for Clubs’ initiative which plays a big part in giving clubs across the country that much-needed helping-hand when it comes to investment. It’s a simple initiative but one that I feel will continue to make a big difference.”

The programme works directly through the Topaz Play or Park Loyalty platform. Clubs can register at playorpark.ie/cash-for-clubs (ROI) or playorpark.co.uk/cash-for-clubs (NI) and, once registered, members of the club and customers in their community can start to collect tokens using a Play or Park gametag, available instore or through the Topaz Play or Park app.

Players receive one token once they spend €30/£20 or more on fuel purchases. Having linked their gametag to a chosen club, tokens will be automatically allocated to that club.

After 2000 tokens are collected, they will be automatically entered into an ‘everyone-wins’ draw:

GRAND PRIZE DRAW:

• First club drawn will win €10,000 (£7,800)
• Ten clubs thereafter will win €5,000 (£3,600)
• 140 clubs after this will receive €1,000 (£780)
• All clubs thereafter who meet the required token amount will receive €250 (£230).