WEALTH June 10, 2026 0 Comments

How Mace’s Bold Move with Debra and a €170k EB Charity Raise Could Rewrite Partnership Playbooks Forever

Ever wonder how a retail chain can turn everyday shopping into a lifeline for those facing unimaginable challenges? Mace has done just that — not only raising nearly €170,000, but also deepening its bond with Debra, the charity devoted to people living with epidermolysis bullosa (EB), often called ‘Butterfly Skin’ for its fragility. This isn’t just corporate philanthropy; it’s community passion in full throttle — from coffee mornings and ice cream days to skydives! And with rugby legend Johnny Sexton singing their praises, you can sense the authenticity behind this partnership. As they gear up to extend their collaboration through 2027, Mace and Debra are proving that genuine care and relentless dedication truly pay off in transforming lives. Ready to be inspired? 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)