The team from McKillop’s Spar were recently awarded with the Involvement in the Community Award at this year’s Ballymena Business Excellence Awards.
McKillop’s Spar, which opened 38 years ago and employs 27 people from the local area, has always been a pillar in the local community.
Over the years, it has shown ongoing support for local primary schools, including Braidside Integrated Primary School, Kirkinriola Primary School and Castle Tower Special School, providing sports day kits annually and welcome packs for new pupils.
School visits
Owner Eamon McKillop has also visited local schools numerous times to exhibit the best of Northern Ireland’s local food producers, giving a presentation on the health benefits of fruit and vegetables, educating the pupils on how food is harvested and information on local suppliers.
The McKillop’s team also regularly hold instore fundraising events and initiatives for Spar NI’s charity partner, Marie Curie and the Northern Ireland Hospice.
McKillop said: “The team commit time, involvement and resources throughout the year to supporting our local community. We regularly work with local schools through welcome days, farm to fork storytelling and school sports days. We also provide sponsorships, donations, prizes and support to local sports clubs, community events, charities and fundraising initiatives.
“Community involvement is more than providing sponsorships and donations, it’s about building genuine relationships…”
“For myself and our team, community involvement is more than providing sponsorships and donations, it’s about building genuine relationships and making a positive difference to those in our local community every day.
”It allows us to build lasting, genuine connections with local people and organisations and our involvement with local schools, sports teams and community groups encourages participation, confidence and community spirit.
“We’re honoured to be awarded with the Involvement in the Community Award. It’s a reflection of the hard work and dedication of our whole team, who genuinely care and want to invest in our local community.”
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