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AND CUSTOMERSOCIETY Lidl Ireland/Northern Ireland | Sustainability Progress Report 2018/19 20x20 MY SON HARRY IS FIVE AND WE USE THE AUTISM QUIET In 2018, Lidl furthered its commitment to the LGFA IN A NICE ENVIRONMENT WHERE I KNOW THERE WILL BE and women’s sport by becoming a programme sponsor to the 20x20 (20% by 2020) movement, creating a cultural shift in our perception of girls and women in sport by increasing visibility and awareness around women’s sporting activity. These are the targets we have set by end 2020: 20% more media coverage of women in sport. 20% more female participation whether at player, coach, referee or administration level. 20% more attendance at women’s games and events. Cope Foundation COPE Foundation is a charity that supports children and adults with intellectual disabilities and/or autism throughout County Cork. Their services include early intervention support, support in education and school, training and guidance, as well as opportunities such as art therapy and work experience. Lidl Ireland have been working closely with the Cope Foundation for over two years, offering over 35 placements and seven full time roles to Cope members. Feedback from our stakeholders indicated that shopping can be a stressful time for people with autism – brighter lights, crowded spaces and noise can lead to sensory overload which can be upsetting or uncomfortable for people with Autism. This can often be particularly stressful for families with young children with Autism, who have little choice but to bring their children on the weekly grocery run. However, it is a great way to teach them life skills and enhance their learning. In 2018, we were delighted to play our part by rolling out autism awareness evenings in all our stores. Autism Aware Evenings take place every Tuesday from 6-8pm across the island of Ireland, providing a calmer shopping environment, including: Reduced lighting No music or announcements Lower till scan sounds Priority queuing and additional assistance Always welcome assistance dogs To further support Autism Awareness locally, in 2019, we are sponsoring two Autism Assistance dogs. Through this initiative, we will develop a range of educational videos for customers and employees to build familiarity and heightened awareness around autism generally and to highlight the positive contribution that these dogs can play in family life. NO LOUD NOISES FOR HARRY. WE COME UP AGAINST MANY BATTLES EACH WEEK AND THIS IS ONE OFF THE LIST. Sinead Hughes, Customer Service, Lidl Ireland Agricultural Inputs Resources and Agriculture Cultivation & Harvesting Animal Keeping Production Supply Chain and Processing Operations and Processes Customer and Society Processing Transportation Logistics Centre Transportation Stores and Services Purchase Usage Disposal EVENINGS FOR SHOPPING TOGETHER WITHOUT JUDGEMENT Our sponsored pup Yogi with store manager Dzianis Baranouski and fosterer Michelle McCaffrey in our Childer’s Road store page 57