Community

SPAR supports communities all over the world by sponsoring local sporting clubs, charities and community events. All of our stores aim to play an active role in their local community.

SPAR Manilla Celebrates Christmas with the community!

The owners of SPAR Manilla recently celebrated '20 years in Manilla' showering the community with prizes, giveaways and a visit from Santa! There was lots of fun to be had as the store put on a free sausage sizzle, and gave away shopping vouchers and a hamper.

Congratulations Craig, Lucy, Jillian and staff on this terrific milestone!

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Great Endeavour Rally - a wild drive!

The 22nd annual Great Endeavour Rally which rolled into Townsville on 24 July covered in dust and cheered on by thousands of spectators is being hailed as the best ever.

SPAR Express Newtown's (Toowoomba) Barb & Ray McCaul recently participated in this wild drive, helping to raise funds for people with a disability.

The event raised a record $400,000+, an inspired performance which eclipsed the previous record of $320,000 and a far cry from the first rally way back in 1988 which raised just $30,000.

Ray and Barb finished 57th out of 80 cars missing last two days because of a mishap with their car. The McCaul's were one of the top 30 fundraisers in the rally.

Well done Barb & Ray!

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SPAR Supports the Next Generation Sports Stars

SPAR Yamba recently supported the Yamba Breakers under 12 soccer team. We are proud to report that the team recently won their major semi-final to secure a place in the grand final. We wish the boys all the best with their big game!

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SPAR Supports Daffodil Day

SPAR Charity of the Year: The Cancer Council

SPAR continues to help ‘The Cancer Council’ to raise funds which are dedicated to eliminating cancer and diminishing suffering from cancer through Research, Treatment, Patient Care and Prevention and Early Detection. In 2008 we participated in ‘Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea’ on 22nd May and Daffodil Day on 22nd August. Through these fund raising activities we raised over $14,000! In 2009 we are working to raise more money for the Cancer Council through our Charity Golf Day in May as well as nationally recognised events such as Daffodil Day and Pink Ribbon Day.

For more information on how you can support the The Cancer Council, visit: http://www.cancer.org.au/home.htm

Surfers to Sydney Bike Ride

SPAR recently sponsored a team of Griffith University students from the Bachelor of Exercise Science/Bachelor of Physiotherapy and Masters of Physiotherapy courses raise money for Cystic Fibrosis Australia.

Their plan: to raise $50,000 for this cause by riding their bicycles from the Gold Coast to Sydney from 24th November to 3rd December 2008. The money raised will enable Cystic Fibrosis Australia to continue to provide education and services to the Cystic Fibrosis population and their families in Australia. In addition these funds will further their research into Australia's most common genetic disease.

History: Cystic Fibrosis is the most common life-threatening, recessive genetic condition affecting Australian children. The disease affects many organs in the body (in particular the lungs and pancreas), causing breathing and digestive problems. Currently, treatment is primarily centered around daily physiotherapy (both assisted and home exercise program), along with daily medications - some people taking up to 40 replacement tablets a day.

We hope the team had a great ride and wish them the best with their fund raising!