Fancy a two-minute supermarket sweep for your Christmas shop?

Right, hands up if you've ever fantasized about being let loose in a supermarket with a trolley and a ticking clock? Just me? I highly doubt it. There's something absolutely brilliant about the idea of legging it down the aisles, flinging everything you need into the trolley without having to check your banking app first or negotiate with a small person about whether we really need the chocolate cereal.

Well, the dream is alive and kicking, because Lidl's Trolley Dash is back for its 12th year, and this time Una Healy herself has launched it. The singer and mum-of-two was all smiles announcing the news, and honestly, who can blame her? The thought of two whole minutes to grab your entire festive shop without anyone asking "Mammy, can we get this?" every five seconds is basically the stuff of Christmas miracles.

Here's How It Works

From now until the 30th of November, you can pick up a Trolley Dash ticket at the till in any Lidl store for just €1. And here's the best bit: all the proceeds go straight to Family Carers Ireland, Lidl's charity partner. So you're doing something genuinely lovely while also being in with a chance of winning what is essentially every parent's dream shopping experience.

There'll be one winner selected from each of Lidl's 189 stores across the country, which means your odds are actually pretty decent. And if your name gets pulled? You'll be invited to do a shopping dash before your local store opens, with two minutes on the clock to grab as much as you can fit in your trolley. Previous winners have bagged thousands of euros worth of festive food and treats, so we're talking a serious haul here.

I don't know about you, but I'd have a full tactical plan drawn up. Straight to the good cheese. Then the smoked salmon. Champagne. Maybe that posh panettone I always look at but never actually buy because, you know, budget. The fancy biscuits. All the Christmas chocolate. The lot.

It's For a Brilliant Cause

Now, beyond the pure joy of imagining yourself sprinting through Lidl like you're training for the Olympics, there's a really important reason to grab one of those €1 tickets. Family Carers Ireland supports the half a million family carers across the country who look after loved ones every single day, often while juggling everything else life throws at them.

Una Healy, speaking at the launch, said it perfectly: "As a single mum, I know how important it is for people in a caring role to have a support network. Particularly for the half a million family carers across Ireland, they deserve to feel supported and seen and Family Carers Ireland does an amazing job in delivering bespoke supports."

She's absolutely right. We all know someone who's caring for a family member, whether it's an elderly parent, a child with additional needs, or a partner with a long-term illness. It's relentless, exhausting work that often goes unseen, and these families need proper support. Since Lidl and Family Carers Ireland partnered up, they've committed to raising €1 million over three years, and the Trolley Dash is a huge part of that effort.

Catherine Cox, Head of Communications and Policy at Family Carers Ireland, pointed out how meaningful the campaign is, especially at Christmas: "This year's campaign, with Una Healy as ambassador, reminds us that family carers need to be cared for too and, particularly at Christmas, it's more important than ever for those in a family caring role to know that they have our support at what can be a difficult time of year for some."

A Bit of Festive Fun That Actually Helps

Since the Trolley Dash launched back in 2014, it's raised almost €3 million for local charities. That's not small change, and it's all come from shoppers like us picking up a €1 ticket while doing the weekly shop. Honestly, when you think about it, it's one of the easiest ways to support a worthy cause while also giving yourself a chance at something genuinely exciting.

And let's be real: Christmas is expensive. The pressure to make it magical for the kids while also feeding extended family, buying presents, and keeping the house stocked with snacks for the various relatives who'll be calling around is a lot. Winning a Trolley Dash wouldn't just be fun, it would genuinely take a massive chunk of pressure off. Imagine ticking the entire festive food shop off your list in one go, for free. The relief would be immense.

Get Involved

Tickets are on sale until the 30th of November, and the dashes themselves will be happening throughout December. Winners will be contacted directly by Lidl and invited to their store for the big event. If you want to check out the full terms and conditions or get more info, you can head over to www.lidl.ie/trolleydash.

So next time you're in Lidl doing the usual shop, grab yourself a ticket. For the price of a coffee, you're supporting family carers across Ireland and giving yourself a shot at the shopping spree of your dreams. And if nothing else, you'll have something fun to daydream about while you're standing in the school pick-up queue.

Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to mentally plan my Trolley Dash route. Strategic thinking is key, people.