Last updated on September 12th, 2016 at 11:08 am
Through customer donations at Bi-Lo, Harveys and Winn-Dixie grocery stores, Jacksonville, Florida-based Southeastern Grocers will donate $565,393.04 in support of the American Red Cross’ disaster relief to assist Louisiana residents impacted by recent flooding. This contribution includes the dollar-for-dollar match Southeastern Grocers donated through the Southeastern Grocers Foundation.
The flooding in Louisiana is the worst natural disaster to impact the U.S. since Hurricane Sandy in 2012. All funds raised go directly to the American Red Cross’ disaster relief fund and will be used to provide food, shelter, counseling and other assistance to thousands of people in Louisiana after the unprecedented flooding inundated neighborhoods.
Ian McLeod, CEO and president of Southeastern Grocers, said, “We would like to extend our sincere appreciation to our customers, associates and communities throughout our footprint for supporting families in Louisiana during these challenging times. The donation amount is a true testament of the generosity of our customers, and we are delighted to present the American Red Cross with over $565,000 for disaster relief.”
Added Josh Joachim, regional CEO for the American Red Cross of Louisiana, “Southeastern Grocers played an integral role by activating its customer donation program within 24 hours. Through the generous support of partners like Southeastern Grocers, the American Red Cross is able to meet the emergency needs of the community today and in the future.”
The donated funds were raised through contributions made in Bi-Lo, Harveys and Winn-Dixie stores during checkout from Aug. 17-23 as well as on each organization’s dedicated website. Additionally, Southeastern Grocers matched every penny donated to the cause.
All of the funds raised will help the American Red Cross provide the following for the Louisiana flood victims: safe, dry shelter until families return home; water and hot meals; safe play for kids staying in shelters; help for people with disabilities; first aid; comfort and emotional support; damage assessment in impacted neighborhoods; and help with preparation of recovery plans.
Southeastern Grocers has a longstanding partnership with the American Red Cross, a national nonprofit dedicated to preventing and alleviating human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors. Throughout the 50-year partnership, the American Red Cross and Southeastern Grocers have raised nearly $10 million through community donation programs, foundation and corporate support.
Two of company’s stores remain closed due to flood damage
Southeastern Grocers had several stores that sustained flood damage last month. Two stores remain closed: the Winn-Dixie store 1591 at 28145 Walker South Road in Walker, Louisiana, and the Winn-Dixie store 1467 at 13555 Old Hammond Highway in Baton Rouge.
The company says that it and its associates are working hard to reopen the stores quickly and safely. Knowing that the community still requires important services such as a pharmacy, Winn-Dixie transported, constructed and stocked a fully functioning mobile pharmacy for its Walker store in just days after the flood hit the community. The pharmacy remains open seven days a week. The mobile pharmacy continues to serve customers in need and has filled hundreds of prescriptions since it opened on Aug. 19.
