RINCON — Defying typical nonprofit fundraising across the U.S. this year, Lowe’s is at the top of a long list of retail and restaurant partners to report a record-breaking $18 million in Shamrocks Against Dystrophy sales.
At the conclusion of the 26th annual Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) Shamrocks Against Dystrophy campaign, Lowe’s reported $4.3 million in sales, nearly doubling the previous record of $2.3 million raised by one retail grocery two years ago. The $1 and $5 Shamrocks donations have now raised more than $200 million for Jerry’s Kids.
Generous customers of the more than 1,600 participating Lowe’s locations showed their commitment to the Shamrocks Against Dystrophy campaign through donations starting at $1.
Several partners, including Lowe’s, extended the program beyond the original March 17 deadline due to its overwhelming success and the greater need in tough times that has left nonprofits struggling to raise funds. Although a nationwide effort, all money raised stays in local communities and provides hope to families living with muscular dystrophy and related diseases.
“We want to thank our loyal customers for their tremendous support and are extremely proud of our Lowe’s team that got behind this effort 100 percent,” said Gene Posey, store manager.
“We’re grateful to our partners for reaching out to their customers, for even a small donation,” MDA President and CEO Gerald C. Weinberg said. “The overwhelming generosity of the local Rincon community demonstrates that there is so much good in the world. We can’t thank everyone enough.”
Through Shamrocks Against Dystrophy, $1 and $5 donations help fund research for treatments and cures, support group sessions, clinic fees, MDA summer camp, mobility and communication devices, and much more.
For more information about MDA, visit www.mda.org.
MDA is a voluntary health agency working to defeat muscular dystrophy and related diseases through programs of worldwide research, comprehensive services, advocacy and far-reaching professional and public health education.
MDA is the first nonprofit agency to be recognized by the American Medical Association with a Lifetime Achievement Award for significant and lasting contributions to the health and welfare of humanity.
About Lowe’s
Lowe’s is a proud supporter of Habitat for Humanity International, American Red Cross, United Way of America, and the Home Safety Council, in addition to numerous non-profit organizations and programs that help communities across the country. In 2008, Lowe’s and the Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation together contributed more than $25 million to support community and education projects in the United States and Canada. Lowe’s also encourages volunteerism through the Lowe’s Heroes program, a company-wide employee volunteer initiative.
Lowe’s is a FORTUNE® 50 company with fiscal year 2008 sales of $48.2 billion and has more than 1,650 stores in the United States and Canada.
For more information, visit Lowes.com/community.
