WEALTH June 10, 2026 0 Comments

How Mace’s €170K Play with Debra Could Flip the Script on Charity Partnerships Forever

Ever wonder what happens when a nationwide retail chain doesn’t just sell products but decides to become a powerhouse for good? Well, Mace is doing just that—and then some. After raising an eye-watering €170,000 for Debra, the charity championing those living with the excruciatingly painful “Butterfly Skin” condition (officially known as epidermolysis bullosa or EB), Mace is doubling down on its commitment by extending their partnership for another two years. It’s not every day you see a brand tying themselves so tightly to a cause that requires sheer grit and community spirit alike. Former Ireland rugby star and Mace ambassador Johnny Sexton didn’t hold back calling their efforts “remarkable,” and honestly, that’s putting it mildly. From selling their own-branded goods to plunging out of airplanes—yes, skydives included—Mace’s retailers across Ireland have embraced this cause in ways that ripple far beyond just charity. It’s a powerful reminder that business isn’t just about profit margins; sometimes, it’s about lifting up the most vulnerable with genuine heart and hustle. Curious to see how this partnership is reshaping lives and communities? LEARN MORE

Retail chain Mace will extend its partnership with Debra for another two years after raising almost €170,000 for the charity, which supports people living in Ireland with the rare and painful skin condition epidermolysis bullosa (EB)

Former Ireland rugby international and Mace ambassador Johnny Sexton praised the retailer’s fundraising efforts over the past two years as “remarkable”.

“I have seen the great work from Debra’s and MACE’s teams, and their dedication to improving the lives of people with ‘Butterfly Skin’ is remarkable. I’m proud to be linked to them,” Sexton said.

Mace retailers across Ireland have sold own-branded products in aid of Debra, organised coffee mornings, ice cream days, taken part in ‘Emma’s Run to 40’ and even skydives.

Sexton joined Dubliner Claudia Scanlon, who lives with EB, to celebrate the extension of the Mace-Debra partnership.

The retail brand said it would continue to help raise funds for a range of vital services for those who live with EB, which is caused by an absence of proteins between the skin layers.

It can cause skin to tear and blister at the slightest touch and requires painful bandaging to prevent infection.

Debra’s services include practical and emotional support for children and adults with EB, financial grants for counselling, hospitalisation and respite, home visits, peer support events and funding for EB research.

“Mace has proudly partnered with Debra since 2024, and I am absolutely delighted that we will continue this meaningful collaboration through to 2027,” said Caitriona Cousins, head of shopper insights and marketing manager at Mace.

“Alongside our Mace retailers and their teams, we look forward to working with the wonderful Debra team by raising even greater funds and awareness to support people living with EB.”

Jimmy Fearon, CEO of Debra, said the charity is “incredibly grateful” to Mace for extending the partnership.

“What makes this relationship so special is how it lives in communities right across Ireland — in local stores, among neighbours, and through everyday acts of generosity,” he said.

Mace has raised €170,000 for Debra in two years. (Pic: RollingNews.ie)

“Mace has helped give people living with EB a platform, making their voices heard in places they might not otherwise reach.

“The funds raised through this partnership are truly transformative, enabling us to provide vital support to families today while continuing our push for better treatments and, ultimately, cures.”

Photo: Former rugby legend Johnny Sexton with, from left, MACE Marketing Manager and Head of Shopper Insights Caitriona Cousins, Claudia Scanlon, who lives with EB, Debra CEO Jimmy Fearon and MACE Brand Manager, Emma Rooney, as MACE announced a further extension of its partnership with Debra. (Pic: Gareth Chaney)