Last updated on August 4th, 2016 at 10:56 am
For the second consecutive year, customer and vendor donations and all profits earned at Bi-Lo, Harveys and Winn-Dixie grocery stores on Independence Day were donated to support veterans and service members. This year, Southeastern Grocers donated a new record of $2,022,843.45.
This year, Jacksonville, Florida-based Southeastern Grocers partnered with Hope For The Warriors, which is celebrating 10 years of service, and is a national nonprofit dedicated to restoring a sense of self, family and hope for veterans, service members and military families.
The result of this year’s campaign represents the single largest donation the organization has received since it was founded in 2006 and will help serve well over 2,000 service members and their families.
Ian McLeod, CEO and president of Southeastern Grocers, said, “Thank you to our customers, our associates and our business partners for supporting us in our fundraising efforts for this worthy cause. We are delighted to be able to present Hope For The Warriors with over $2 million. This represents our ongoing commitment to our nation’s servicemen and women, and those who support them when they return home.”
Robin Kelleher, co-founder, president and CEO of Hope For The Warriors, said, “We are extremely grateful to and humbled by Southeastern Grocers and their loyal employees, customers and partners for honoring us with the single largest donation in our organization’s history. As we celebrate our 10th anniversary, the significant impact of this donation to our mission will allow us to serve thousands of those in need through our programs in communities across the country.
“This incredible partnership with Southeastern Grocers is taking us to the next phase to implement a holistic wellness model,” Kelleher added. “We look forward to utilizing these campaign funds to empower veterans, service members, military families and families of the fallen for years to come.”
The donated funds were raised through contributions made in Bi-Lo, Harveys and Winn-Dixie stores during checkout, as well as on each organization’s dedicated website. Additionally, on July 4, every penny in profit earned at Southeastern Grocers’ approximately 750 stores was donated.
One hundred percent of the funds raised will help the organization provide comprehensive support programs focused on transition, health and wellness, peer engagement, and connections to community resources for those actively serving in the military, veterans, military families and caregivers throughout the country.
Customers, associates and vendors also showed their support for the cause by honoring a veteran or service member with a personal note displayed in-store on the Wall of Honor, which began on June 22, or by posting a dedication on the All for Honor Facebook page.
Southeastern Grocers’ business partners also donated generously to the cause, with the following companies making notable contributions to the campaign: National Beef, Silver Springs, PepsiCo, C&S, Flowers Bakery, Sanderson Farms, Tyson, City Facilities and Nestle Waters.
