Menarys announces Northern Ireland Hospice as Charity of the Year

Pictured are Claudia Jones, Northern Ireland Hospice Corporate Relations Manager, with Menarysstaff members Melissa Gormley, Marketing Manager, Aileen Murnion, Area Manager, and Linda Thompson, Store Manager at Menarys Lisburn.

A well-known Northern Ireland department store group has launched a new year-long partnership aimed at supporting specialist hospice care for families across the region.

Menarys has named Northern Ireland Hospice as its Charity of the Year for 2026, with a wide-ranging programme of fundraising, volunteering and retail support planned across its stores throughout the year.

The initiative will see the retailer’s 200-strong team and thousands of customers contribute to fundraising efforts designed to support specialist palliative care services for babies, children and adults.

Fundraising and volunteering across Northern Ireland

Throughout 2026, Menarys stores will raise funds through customer till-point donations, staff-led fundraising activities and in-store point-of-sale materials promoting the charity’s work.

As part of the partnership, every member of the Menarys team has also been given a paid volunteer day, allowing staff to dedicate time to supporting hospice projects and campaigns.

The company will also provide practical support to the charity’s network of 28 hospice shops, sharing retail expertise to help strengthen operations that play an important role in funding hospice services.

‘An easy choice’ for the retailer

Stephen McCammon, Managing Director at Menarys, said the decision followed a closer look at the charity’s work and the impact it has on families across Northern Ireland.

“Menarys is delighted to be partnering with Northern Ireland Hospice this year. In the process of selecting our Charity Partner for 2026 we’ve spent time with the Northern Ireland Hospice teams in both the adult and children’s hospice sites, and in the Hospice Shops. We’ve also attended the ‘Power of Partnership’ event that the Hospice arranged at Belfast City Hall to fully explain all the aspects of this incredible work.

“We’ve been so impressed by the work that they do within the Hospices themselves and in patients’ homes throughout the country. The passion and excellence from their teams and the width of their impact made it an easy choice to support this incredibly important work.

“We believe our team and our customers will be determined to make a significant difference to the many children, young people and adults who will depend on the care of the Northern Ireland Hospice, this year and every year.”

Hospice welcomes community partnership

Northern Ireland Hospice said the partnership will provide meaningful support for the people and families who rely on its services.

Claudia Jones, Corporate Relationship Manager at Northern Ireland Hospice, said:

“We are so grateful that Menarys has chosen Northern Ireland Hospice as their Charity of the Year. Their wide-ranging commitment, from fundraising and customer engagement to staff volunteering and practical support for our Hospice shops, will make a meaningful difference for the babies, children, and adults who rely on our care.

“We are delighted to work alongside a local company with such strong community values, and we look forward to what we can achieve together this year.”

Partnership launches this month

The partnership officially launches this month, with activities set to roll out across Menarys stores and Northern Ireland Hospice retail locations during the year ahead.

Through a combination of customer generosity, staff volunteering and retail collaboration, the initiative aims to generate both vital funding and greater awareness for hospice care services across Northern Ireland.

At a glance

• Menarys has named Northern Ireland Hospice as its Charity of the Year for 2026.

• The partnership will support specialist palliative care for babies, children and adults.

• Fundraising will take place through till-point donations and staff-led events across stores.

• All 200 Menarys staff members will receive a paid volunteer day to support hospice projects.

• The retailer will also provide retail expertise to support the charity’s 28 hospice shops.

• The initiative officially launches this month across stores and hospice retail locations.

• Both organisations say the partnership aims to boost funding and awareness for hospice care.