250 Centra stores across the country are to host a local ‘Walk for Life’ this October with proceeds going to the Irish Cancer Society‘s Action Breast Cancer Programme.
The campaign was launched yesterday in Dublin by World Champion walker Rob Heffernan who will complete two of the walks in Bishopstown, County Cork on Sunday 19th October and Baltinglass, County Wicklow on Monday 27th.
This is the fifth year of the association between the retailer and the Irish Cancer Society and to date over €1.4 million has been raised. This comes from a combination of collection boxes on the day of the walks themselves and the sale of an item of pink in each of the stores over the month.
“This year we are selling a neon pink high visibility jacket at €5 and all the proceeds go to fight breast cancer,” said Michelle O’Connor, Centra Brand Manager speaking to Sport for Business at the launch.”
“We encourage and support our retailer involvement and they have really thrown themselves into this since we started five years ago.”
“Each store will provide its own twist on the event with entertainment and refreshments back at the store after the walk which will generally be on either a 5K or 10K route, depending on the locality.”
“It’s not an event that demands peak physical fitness but it is important in getting people to perhaps take the first step in getting active.”
“A number of stores have developed walking clubs as a result of the spark this campaign gives in their part of being central within their local communities.”
“That’s an important legacy and with Rob on board this year we think it will be our biggest yet with as many as 25,000 taking to the streets.”
There has not as yet been any involvement with local athletic clubs but that is something which may form part of future plans and engagement with Athletics Ireland as the national governing body is something that could be part of the 2015 campaign.
“Our pink walks continue to grow in popularity, with more local Centra’s rallying their local communities together this year than ever before for this great cause,” said Centra Managing Director Martin Kelleher.
The Irish Cancer Society’s Action Breast Cancer programme is Ireland’s leading provider of breast cancer information and support, reaching over 25,000 women who are concerned about the disease and interested in breast health each year.
“We really appreciate the support from Centra and the work they do in raising awareness of breast cancer in Ireland within their local communities,” added John McCormack, CEO of the Irish Cancer Society.
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