East Antrim Lidl shoppers could win their entire Christmas shop

Tickets are now on sale at local Lidl stores for two weeks only.

Last year, shoppers in Co Antrim raised an incredible £41,233 for NSPCC through Trolley Dash ticket sales, contributing an impressive amount to the overall Northern Ireland fundraising total.

Winners will be challenged to a ‘Supermarket Sweep’ style dash around their local Lidl store to grab as much of their Christmas shopping as possible in just two minutes.

100 per cent of the proceeds from the ticket sales will be donated to Lidl Northern Ireland’s charity partner, NSPCC, whose mission is to fight for every childhood.

Operating three service centres in Belfast, Foyle and Craigavon and two Childline bases in Belfast and Foyle, NSPCC Northern Ireland supports children right across the region and works to prevent abuse, help rebuild children’s lives and support families.

Lidl Northern Ireland’s Head of Sales Operations, Gordon Cruikshanks, said: “Trolley Dash is Lidl Northern Ireland’s flagship event to raise vital funds for our charity partner, NSPCC Northern Ireland and our customers look forward to it every year.

“Over the past three years, Lidl has raised over £420,000 for NSPCC Northern Ireland with £97,678 raised through Lidl’s Trolley Dash last year alone.

“Not only do customers get the chance to go ‘wild in the aisles’ and bag their Christmas shopping on us, but it’s a chance for shoppers to support the work of NSPCC Northern Ireland at a crucial time of year.

“Christmas may be a difficult time for many, and Lidl Northern Ireland is looking forward to rewarding 40 lucky shoppers to help make Christmas that bit easier, whilst also supporting the important work carried out by NSPCC across Northern Ireland. With tickets priced at just £1, that’s definitely a Lidl bargain!”

Every Lidl store across Northern Ireland will pick one winner at random to complete a dash in their store and, with previous dashes valued well into the hundreds, customers are encouraged to get into stores to secure their entry.

Tickets will be sold at Lidl Northern Ireland checkouts nationwide and shoppers can purchase as many tickets as they wish in support of NSPCC Northern Ireland.

Speaking about Lidl’s Trolley Dash this year, Joanne McMaster, Supporter Fundraising Manager at NSPCC Northern Ireland said: “I would like to thank Lidl Northern Ireland for their incredible, ongoing support. We’re delighted to be part of the Trolley Dash initiative again this year and to benefit from the significant funds raised by generous Lidl shoppers across Northern Ireland.

“Christmas is already a difficult time for children suffering abuse, neglect and poor mental health. For many, being at home for the holidays is a terrifying thought.

“This year of course, the festive season follows months of uncertainty in which calls to Childline about mental health and anxiety have increased, and in which calls to our Helpline from adults worried about child welfare have also risen. Children have been the hidden victims of this pandemic and they urgently need their voices heard.

“Our Childline service is here for them every day – even on Christmas Day. During lockdown, when children were isolated from many of the services and people they would normally turn to for support, Childline was there for them, staffed by our keyworker counsellors and supervisors.

“When a young person needs help, Childline can be a lifeline. So, when a child feels like they have nowhere else to turn to, it’s vital that we’re here, ready to listen.

“The generosity of Lidl Northern Ireland’s team and customers will help us be here for children this Christmas. Protecting them from abuse and supporting them when they have nowhere else to turn. On the phone. Online. Wherever they need us to be.”

The Lidl Trolley Dash will take place in all 40 stores across Northern Ireland on Saturday, December 12 at 7.45 am, before store opening times to allow winners an uninterrupted dash through the aisles.

In addition to supporting NSPCC Northern Ireland this Christmas, Lidl Northern Ireland and FareShare have announced a Christmas food appeal launching in stores across Northern Ireland on Thursday, December 3.

Lidl Northern Ireland is appealing to customers who would like to purchase an extra tinned or long shelf-life product to leave it in a dedicated trolley in stores. Donations will then be distributed through FareShare to local charities and food banks.

For more information about how to get involved and for competition terms and conditions, visit www.lidl-ni.co.uk/information/terms-and-conditions

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