BI-LO CHARITIES AND WESTERN UNION FOUNDATION DONATE MORE THAN $282,000 TO AMERICAN RED CROSS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contacts:
Elizabeth J. Baker
Erwin-Penland
864-672-3875
elizabeth.baker@erwinpenland.com
BI-LO CHARITIES AND WESTERN UNION FOUNDATION PRESENT AMERICAN RED CROSS WITH MORE THAN $282,000 TO BENEFIT VICTIMS OF EARTHQUAKE IN HAITI
GREENVILLE, S.C. (May 17, 2010) – When BI-LO Charities heard of the devastation caused in Haiti by the earthquakes this past January the organization immediately developed a program to support the victims of the tragedy and launched an initiative to raise funds for the American Red Cross in BI-LO stores. As a result of this fundraising program, BI-LO Charities and the Western Union Foundation recently presented a check to the American Red Cross for more than $282,000.
BI-LO Charities kicked off the program by pledging to match customers’ donations up to $25,000. The Western Union Foundation then activated its Agent Giving Circles program, offering to match the contribution of its Agent BI-LO up to $100,000.
These funds will assist the American Red Cross with its ongoing relief efforts in Haiti, as it supports those who have been impacted by this tragedy. Assistance provided by the American Red Cross may include sending relief supplies, mobilizing relief workers and providing financial resources and recovery.
“The American Red Cross is proud to partner with BI-LO Charities in times of disaster, both domestically and internationally. We are fortunate to have such a significant commitment from BI-LO, its stores and customers, and the Western Union Foundation. These donations have helped us to reach more than 1.1 million people with emergency shelter supplies and to distribute 60 million liters of clean drinking water. We will prepare for the potential increased need for medical care and disease control in the months ahead. This humanitarian gesture and financial commitment brings hope to Haiti,” said Ann M. Wright, chief executive officer of the American Red Cross of Upstate South Carolina.
“Unfortunately, we know that the recovery process for the people of Haiti is going to be a long road,” said BI-LO Charities Executive Director Carol Browning. “However, the American Red Cross and its many volunteers and workers are committed to the continuing relief efforts in Haiti, and we are honored to support them.”
“The damages in Haiti and the need for support are immeasurable,” said Luella Chavez D’Angelo, President , The Western Union Foundation. “We are grateful for the opportunity to work with Bi-Lo to leverage the impact of what we can do together for Haiti. Our thoughts are with those affected by this disaster.”
BI-LO Charities’ fundraising program ran from Jan. 18 – Feb. 9, 2010, in all BI-LO stores across Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. Not only did customers make contributions to support the American Red Cross’s efforts in Haiti, but BI-LO Charities also partnered with schools and students who wanted to contribute to the cause. Orangeburg Consolidated School Districts, Hampton County School District Two and Trident Technical College, which raised funds for Haiti through student collection programs, partnered with BI-LO Charities’ program to have the students’ funds matched and, therefore, have their contributions maximized.
About BI-LO Charities, Inc.
Formed in 1998, BI-LO Charities, Inc. manages BI-LO’s extensive charitable giving programs, including the annual BI-LO Charity Classic golf tournament, which celebrated its 26-year anniversary in June 2009. Since its inception in 1983, the BI-LO Charity Classic has raised more than $48 million to provide funding for non-profit organizations in Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee that focus on three key initiatives: children’s issues, education and hunger relief. Headquartered in Mauldin, S.C., BI-LO operates 207 supermarkets and employs approximately 15,100 people.
About the Western Union Foundation
Through Western Union’s Our World, Our Family® signature program, the Western Union Foundation supports initiatives to empower individuals, families and communities through access to better education and economic opportunity. Recognized by the Committee Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy in 2009, the program is a five year, $50 million commitment announced in 2007 reflecting the efforts made by Western Union employees, Agents, and partners around the world. Since its inception in 2001, the Western Union Foundation has awarded more than $63 million in grants and disaster relief to more than 1,900 nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) in 100 countries. For more information, visit http://foundation.westernunion.com.
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