Panto star Johnny Ward and influencer Gina Daly are a dashing duo for launch of Lidl’s charity Trolley Dash in aid of Family Carers Ireland

Lidl Ireland has teamed up with Christmas panto star and TV personality Johnny Ward and influencer Gina Daly, aka The Daly Dish, to launch the return of the retailer’s much loved Trolley Dash charity fundraising initiative which will see 181 lucky shoppers across Ireland win a supermarket sweep style dash around the store to bag a festive feast this Christmas.

Returning for its 11th year, shoppers will have the chance to win a spot on the dash in their local Lidl store by picking up a Trolley Dash ticket at the till for just €1, with all proceeds going directly to Lidl’s new charity partner Family Carers Ireland.

Last week, Lidl confirmed its new charity partnership with Family Carers Ireland - the national charity supporting around half a million family carers across the country - and committed to raising €1 million in funds for the charity over the next three years.

Since its inception in 2014, Lidl Ireland’s Trolley Dash has raised more than €2.6 million for local charities across Ireland and previous Trolley Dash winners have bagged thousands of euros worth of award-winning festive food and treats to enjoy over the festive season. 

This year’s Trolley Dash will kickstart fundraising for the new charity partnership and provide a major boost towards its €1 million target.

Fair City actor and Christmas panto star Johnny Ward, said:

“I am thrilled to launch Lidl Ireland’s Trolley Dash campaign for Christmas 2024, in aid of Family Carers Ireland. Not only will 181 lucky shoppers get the chance to bag their Christmas shopping for free, but all proceeds from ticket sales will go directly to funding the vital services and supports Family Carers Ireland provides to thousands of carers nationwide.”

Also supporting the launch, Gina Daly said:

“I am delighted to be part of the launch of Lidl Ireland’s Trolley Dash campaign for the second year in a row. Being a family carer is close to my heart as I am a full-time carer for my amazing son Gene, who was born with Down syndrome in 2021, and it is a role I wouldn’t change for the world - but it has given me a deep understanding of the unique challenges carers face.

I’d recommend everyone who can to purchase a €1 Trolley Dash ticket at their local Lidl store to help raise funds for the vital support networks and resources provided by Family Carers Ireland to those in caring roles. These resources remind us that we're not alone in this journey and offer the tools we need to navigate the many aspects of caring.”

Maeve McCleane, Chief People Officer Lidl Ireland and Northern Ireland, said:

“Every year, our team of over 6,000 colleagues across the country get behind this initiative to sell as many Trolley Dash tickets and raise as much money as possible for our charity partner. It’s a real highlight in the calendar for us and it’s even more exciting this year as we kick off our brand-new partnership with Family Carers Ireland. We know that many of our customers are currently in a caring role and we hope that this campaign will help those family carers feel recognised, understood and supported, particularly as we head into the festive season, which can be a challenging time for many people providing care for a loved one.

We’re delighted to have Johnny and Gina on board as inspirational ambassadors who both have personal experience of caring for a family member to really drive home the importance of supporting Family Carers Ireland and the incredible support they provide to family carers across the country.

I’d encourage all of our valued customers to pick up a Trolley Dash ticket the next time they are in store and help give a little care to those that care this Christmas.”

Catherine Cox, Head of Communications and Policy, Family Carers Ireland, said:

“Our new partnership with Lidl Ireland will see employees and customers come together to raise €1 million over the next three years for Family Carers Ireland. This is a hugely significant amount which will be transformative in enabling us to deliver our vital services and support carers across the country.

“Family Carers Ireland’s mission is to ensure that family carers are properly recognised, supported and empowered so that no one has to care alone, and funds raised from this year’s Trolley Dash will go a long way in supporting some of our services and in raising awareness of our charity and the work that we do.

“I’d like to thank each and every customer that buys a ticket and shows their support for carers across Ireland – and wish everyone the very best of luck in winning a spot on the dash.”

Tickets for Lidl’s Trolley Dash will go on sale across all 181 Lidl Ireland stores from Saturday 16th November until Sunday 1st December 2024. Shoppers can purchase as many Trolley Dash tickets as they wish, with 100% of proceeds going directly to Family Carers Ireland.

Winners will be contacted directly by Lidl Ireland and invited to take part in the Christmas Trolley Dash at their local Lidl store before it opens at 08:00am on Saturday 7^th or Saturday 14^th December 2024, giving winners a clean run at the fully stocked aisles, to grab as many items on their Christmas shopping list as they can.

Lidl Ireland has also launched a special seasonal bouquet to mark its new partnership with Family Carers Ireland. Priced at €7.99 with €1 from every sale going directly to Family Carers Ireland, the stunning bouquet features LA lilies, yellow chrysanthemums, pink germini and lavender and will be available in all Lidl stores nationwide from Thursday, 14^th November, while stocks last.

For more information about Lidl’s Christmas Trolley Dash and for full terms and conditions, please visit: www.lidl.ie/trolleydash

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For further press information, contact pr@lidl.ie