Derry motorists urged to "fuel up" this Thursday to support PIPS charity

Motorists in Derry are being encouraged to fuel up for PIPS Suicide Prevention Charity this Thursday, January 15, as Circle K donates 1p from every litre of fuel sold to support suicide and self-harm prevention services in Northern Ireland.

The initiative makes it easy for customers to support PIPS, with donations made automatically when they fuel up on the day.

Support will also extend across the island of Ireland, with customer donations in the Republic of Ireland directed to Pieta, PIPS’ partner organisation. This approach ensures that funds raised locally go directly towards supporting individuals and families within their own communities throughout the initiative.

The fundraiser marks the launch of a new three-year charity partnership, through which Circle K has committed to raising €1 million across the island of Ireland to support suicide and self-harm prevention services.

The partnership officially launches this week across Circle K sites nationwide. On 15 January, Circle K will donate 1p from every litre of fuel sold in Northern Ireland to PIPS*, and 1c from every litre sold in the Republic of Ireland to Pieta*.

Both organisations share a commitment to being consistently present and supportive in local communities. With its extensive network and local presence, Circle K is proud to stand alongside PIPS in Northern Ireland, and Pieta across the island of Ireland, in raising awareness and vital funds to help ensure professional suicide and self-harm prevention services are available whenever and wherever they are needed.

Renee Quinn, CEO at PIPS commented: “Suicide impacts every layer of society - families, communities, and workplaces - and the demand for accessible, immediate mental health support continues to rise. At PIPS Charity, we are committed to providing counselling and crisis intervention that is free, confidential and without delay.

“Our services, including our crisis walk-in support in Belfast, daytime crisis telephone lines across our locations, and our Friday night overnight crisis service, ensure support remains available even when many others are closed.

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“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.

“This partnership goes beyond fundraising - it is a shared commitment to hope, prevention and real-world impact. Together with Circle K, we will continue working toward a future where seeking help is met with understanding, and where vital support is always within reach for those who need it most.”

Speaking about the launch of the partnership, Ciara Foxton Managing Director, Circle K Ireland commented: “At Circle K, supporting the communities we serve isn’t just part of what we do, it’s at the heart of who we are. We are proud to begin this new three-year partnership with Pieta, an organisation that delivers life-saving support to those in crisis.

“Together, our goal is to raise vital funds and awareness so that anyone in need can access free, professional help, 24 hours a day, every day.

“We are equally committed to supporting PIPS Suicide Prevention Ireland in Northern Ireland, ensuring that this partnership reaches every corner of the island. We know this is a cause close to many of our colleagues and customers, and we’re proud to stand with Pieta and PIPS in helping to raise vital awareness and support for those who need it most.”