Customers and colleagues in Maritime provinces not deterred by challenges of COVID-19
HALIFAX, NS, August 17, 2020 – The IWK Foundation and Loblaw Companies Limited are pleased to announce this year’s Give a Little, Help a Lot campaign has raised $286,000 for the IWK through in-store fundraising at Atlantic Superstore and other Loblaw grocery stores across the Maritimes. Funds raised though the campaign go to help support the most urgent priority needs of the IWK, which may include the purchase of priority equipment and advanced technology.
The campaign went ahead in July despite the pandemic, knowing that support is needed now more than ever. Due to the dedication of store colleagues and the generosity of customers, this year’s efforts raised $25,000 more than the 2019 campaign.
Mark Boudreau, Director of Corporate Affairs, Loblaw Atlantic, said “Our customers and colleagues are amazing, and I want to thank everyone on the front lines for making this year’s campaign so successful despite the ongoing challenges posed by COVID-19. Our store colleagues and customers throughout the Maritimes have long been proud supporters of the IWK. As our partnership has grown and developed, we recognize the importance of being able to help provide world-class care to patients and families from across our region.”
Give a Little, Help a Lot is a national campaign where Loblaw customers are asked to donate $2 at checkout in support of their designated local charity. In addition, store colleagues organize grassroots fundraisers such as barbecues and bake sales, with proceeds from these activities added to the total.
“The IWK would not be the special place it is today without the generosity of businesses like Atlantic Superstore and Your Independent Grocer and their customers who support them,” said Jennifer Gillivan, President & CEO, IWK Foundation. “It’s important to remember that, during these uncertain times, the kids at the IWK are still receiving specialized care and treatment and they still need us. We are incredibly grateful to those who gave what they could during the recent Give a Little, Help a Lot campaign, to support IWK patients and their families.”
The Give a Little, Help a Lot campaign was launched in 2008 and is part of an ongoing effort by Atlantic Superstore to provide support to the IWK Foundation. Atlantic Superstore has been a dedicated supporter of the IWK for the past 33 years, raising funds annually to ensure women, children and their families have access to the best equipment, technology and care right here at home in the Maritimes.
Photo caption: Seven-year-old Liam Willman was born with half a heart. To date the IWK Children’s Heart Centre surgical team has performed over six surgeries to help improve his heart function. Liam’s parents, Melissa and Brian, are grateful to everyone who gave to the Give a Little campaign that directly helps support patients like their son.
Photo available here: https://public.3.basecamp.com/p/NzHnNFNjWYZyhmyAt8dHr9fx
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About the IWK Foundation
The IWK Foundation is a champion of excellence in women's and children's health and medicine and works in partnership with the IWK Health Centre to support their vision of providing quality care to women, children, youth and families in the Maritime Provinces and beyond. Our donors are passionately committed to making a difference for Maritime families, contributing more than $15 million in support of the most urgent care priorities at the IWK last year. Funds raised also support the IWK's global leadership in research and knowledge sharing, which in turn improves lives worldwide.
For more information please contact:
Lesley Gaum
Executive Lead, Stakeholder Relations and Public Affairs
IWK Foundation
lesley.gaum@iwk.nshealth.ca or 902-489-2867
Mark Boudreau
Director, Corporate Affairs
Loblaw Atlantic
mark.boudreau@loblaw.ca or 902-802-8687