Circle K has launched a three-year charity partnership with Pieta and set a €1 million fundraising target to support suicide and self-harm prevention services across Ireland. The initiative kicks off on 15 January when Circle K will donate one cent from every litre of fuel sold in the Republic to Pieta and one penny from every litre sold in Northern Ireland to PIPS Suicide Prevention Charity, Pieta's partner in the region, so locally raised funds support local services.
Pieta provides a free 24/7 crisis helpline as well as counselling for people in suicidal distress, engaging in self-harm and anyone bereaved by suicide. PIPS offers free, confidential counselling and crisis intervention across its locations, including a walk-in service in Belfast and an overnight Friday crisis line.
Circle K has supported Pieta for a number of years, including supplying free tea and coffee at its sites to those taking part in the annual Darkness into Light walk and participating in fundraising drives such as Coast to Coast.
Ciara Foxton, managing director of Circle K Ireland, said the aim is to raise "vital funds and awareness so that anyone in need can access free, professional help, 24 hours a day, every day.”
Pieta CEO Stephanie Manahan said the agreement "will help Pieta continue to provide free, professional support to people experiencing suicidal distress, self-harm, or the impact of suicide, whenever they need it, and wherever they live,” adding: "Demand for our services continues to grow, and long-term partnerships like this are vital to keeping our therapy services and 24/7 Crisis Helpline open, accessible, and staffed by qualified therapists. The funds raised through this initiative will directly support that work and help us be there at the most critical moments.”
PIPS CEO Renee Quinn said, "We are sincerely grateful to Circle K for partnering with us and for the leadership they are demonstrating in prioritising community wellbeing. Circle K's support - through their teams, their platform, and their customers - will play a pivotal role in strengthening our ability to reach more people across Ireland, challenge stigma, and deliver potentially life-saving intervention at critical moments.”