Padraig’s Christmas Cracker Turn The Tide of Suicide with SPAR

Legendary Irish Golfer Padraig Harrington recently launched 1life wristbands, available exclusively at SPAR, in aid of suicide prevention helpline 1life. Following last year’s hugely successful “Luv Bear” campaign, SPAR are now selling 1life wristbands in SPAR stores nationwide, at a price of €1 with all proceeds going towards the operation of the suicide prevention help line 1life (1800 24 7 100). SPAR expects the 1life wristband and other fundraising in store to raise €200,000 for ‘1life’ which is a joint venture between the 3Ts – Turn The Tide of Suicide (SPAR charity of the year) and Console.

1life is Ireland’s only 24-hour suicide prevention helpline. Given the difficult times we are in, some people are unfortunately facing many different losses in their lives. It’s vital to remember 1life is here to help with professional counsellors and volunteers available for calls 24-hours a day, 7-days a week. In addition to listening and providing support, 1life provides a professional suicide intervention service, and can facilitate referrals to a wide network of support services throughout Ireland.

In these difficult times suicide rates have risen dramatically by 24.3% in 2009 alone. It is estimated that 700 people have died by suicide in the past year which equates to two people every day*. Each death has a ripple effect, shattering the lives of families, friends and the broader community. Many people in crisis feel isolated, hopeless and overwhelmed by their circumstances and, in many cases, do not know where to turn. 1life was launched in 2009 by Padraig Harrington with the aim of preventing suicide and of meeting the very real need to provide counselling for those who are in crisis when they need it.

Noel Smyth, Chairman of the 3Ts and Director of 1life said: “Especially during Christmas and New Year, when people can feel under extra pressure, isolated or alone, 1life can help to navigate a way through their tough times. Counsellors and therapists are ready and willing to talk in complete confidence with anyone in crisis, worried about a loved one or affected by suicide in anyway. We urge people to call our Freephone telephone number 1800 24-7-100 or text HELP to 51444 (standard text message rates apply).”

Willie O’Byrne, Managing Director, BWG Foods (owners and operators of the SPAR brand) commented: “SPAR, as a community based retailer, is a proud, long standing supporter of the 3Ts (turn the tide of suicide) and the 1life Helpline, raising awareness of the tragedy of suicide in Ireland. Every euro collected through the sales of the 1life wristbands is paid over without deduction to raise much needed funds for this worthy cause.”

The 1life wristband is a great stocking-filler for loved ones this Christmas. It is available in all SPAR and SPAR Express stores nationwide for just €1. This is a not-for-profit project for SPAR, with all proceeds going to the 1life helpline. 1life draws on best practice in the field of crisis helpline counselling. All 1life counsellors and volunteers have attained recognised qualifications and accreditations in the disciplines of psychotherapy, psychology or counselling.

The 3Ts is SPAR’s nominated Charity and to date SPAR Retailers all around the country have raised over €400,000 through a range of in store fundraising activities.

SPAR decided in 2006 that its nationwide presence could be put to good use in relation to fund-raising. SPAR had indeed been involved in raising funds for many charities on both a local and national level, however it was felt that more could be done and in 2006 we launched the SPAR Charity of the Year.

Because of our strength in numbers SPAR through a network of voluntary collectors nationwide are able to distribute collection boxes nationwide and in addition to local and nationwide fundraising events have the capacity to raise considerable money for charity.

We supported ‘The Irish Hospice Foundation’ from 2007 – 2009 and raised over €300,000 in much needed funds. These funds went to helping support one of their most important projects – the Hospice Friendly Hospitals (HfH) Programme.

Our current charity of the year is ‘The 3ts - Turn the Tide of Suicide’ which is a registered charity founded to raise awareness of the problem of suicide in Ireland and to raise funds to help lower suicide rates through dedicated research, educational support and intervention. Log on to www.3ts.ie for further information.

Be sure to drop into your local SPAR store to make a donation or look out in-store for the signs highlighting that a donation of 1 cent will be made with each purchase of this product to ‘The 3ts - Turn the Tide of Suicide’.

The Paul Stafford Foundation Ball

In aid of Suicide Prevention & Awareness

Supporting the Charity The 3T’s – Turn the Tide on Suicide & 1life- www.1life.ie

The 3rd Annual Paul Stafford Foundation handing over a cheque for €70,000 to 1LIFE, Irelands first dedicated 24hr Suicide Helpline

Pictured at the presentation of €70,000 by The Paul Stafford Foundation to 1Life was Graham Stafford (The Paul Stafford Foundation), Noel Smyth (3T’s), Paul Kelly (1life), Craig Doyle and Laura Woods. The Paul Stafford Foundation was established in 2007 to raise awareness and address the serious issue of suicide in Ireland. It was founded by a group of people who were directly affected themselves by suicide and had lost someone they loved to this ever increasing problem. A young man called Paul Stafford is the inspiration for the foundation because in 1997 he took his own life, aged 26 and like so many suicide victims, left behind his distraught family and friends. 10 years later, those affected by this special man, felt a need to come together and do something to address the major issue of suicide in Irish society.

The committee behind the Paul Stafford Foundation are committed to raising awareness and funds to make a real difference and fight this problem which has affected so many Irish families. To date three significant events have been held in order to raise money and tackle the issue of suicide. Over €200,000 has been raised, and has gone directly to help Suicide related charities, with proceeds from this year’s ball, going directly to 1LIFE – Irelands first dedicated 24hr suicide helpline.

ABOUT 1LIFE - In figures