Community Service Spotlight
NATIONAL REPORT -- Giving back through community service efforts and charity donations is a positive force that keeps many retailers and suppliers of this industry moving ahead. On a regular basis, Convenience Store News highlights these philanthropic efforts in this special section.
Here are the latest company spotlights:
Bellman Oil Co. & CITGO Petroleum Corp.
CITGO Petroleum Corp. and marketer Bellman Oil Co. helped members of the North Liberty, Ind., community raise more than $23,000 for children affected by neuromuscular diseases at the 23rd annual Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) Golf Tournament at Whispering Pines Golf Course in June.
The funds raised through the tournament mark a grand total of more than $41,000 raised by Bellman Oil for MDA this year alone. The proceeds will go toward the support and well-being of families in northern Indiana. This particular event helps provide those families with access to MDA clinics, follow-up care, support groups and summer camps.
CITGO is the largest corporate sponsor of the Muscular Dystrophy Association, having raised more than $150 million since 1986.
For the past month, CST Brands Inc.’s Corner Store chain has raised more than $58,000 for the people whose lives and homes were devastated by the Colorado Black Forest fire. Contributions came from customers at 155 Colorado Corner Stores, Corner Store team members and a matching pledge from CST Brands, Corner Store’s parent company.
All proceeds will go to the American Red Cross Colorado Disaster Relief Fund. The Colorado Black Forest fire, which broke out on June 11, has been designated as one of the most destructive wildfires in the state’s history. More than 500 homes were destroyed in the 22-square-mile fire near Colorado Springs.
Mars Inc. published its third annual Principles in Action Summary, which details the company's approach to business, while underscoring the supplier’s commitment to put its “Five Principles” – quality, responsibility, mutuality, efficiency and freedom -- into action to make a difference to people and the planet through its performance.
Encompassing the themes of Supply Chain, Operations, Brands, Health and Nutrition, and Working at Mars, the Principles in Action Summary focuses on the progress Mars has made against its ambitious targets set in 2011 in order to maximize the positive impacts of the business, including its commitment to eliminate all greenhouse gas emissions by 2040 as part of its Sustainable in a Generation program.
Key highlights of the latest Principles in Action Summary include:
- Mars was named Best Private Company in the Ethical Corporation Responsible Business Awards.
- Mars expects to achieve its target of purchasing 100-percent palm oil from certified sources by the end of 2013, two years ahead of target.
- The company achieved a 25-percent reduction in sodium in its products across the globe from its 2007 baseline, three years ahead of target.
- Mars made strong progress on coffee certification targets and expects to achieve the business target of 100 percent coffee from sustainable sources by the end of 2013.
- The company received the “Best of 2012” award from Nutritional Outlook for Mars' scientifically validated method of measuring cocoa flavanols.
- The Mars Advanced Research Institute (MARI) was established in 2013 to drive fundamental research to address critical challenges related to food, agriculture and health.
- Mars received 20 workplace ranking awards in 2012.
NOCO Express
NOCO Express, its customers and employees recently joined forces to support Hospice Foundation of Western New York. Throughout the entire month of June, paper sunflowers were sold for $1 each at NOCO Express’ 35 locations to benefit the foundation, for a total donation of $11,410. In 2012, NOCO raised $4,770 during a two-week campaign at its convenience stores.
The Hospice Foundation of Western New York, based in Buffalo, is dedicated to caring and supporting all people facing their end of life journey. Hospice is a passionate, dynamic and diverse team of professionals who believe that treating human beings holistically, in whatever setting they choose, is the best approach to care.
QuickChek Corp.
QuickChek Corp. raised more than $13,000 for the Hurricane Sandy New Jersey Relief Fund through the sale of fresh-brewed hot and flavored iced coffees in its 136 convenience stores on National Dine Out Day. National Dine Out Day was a one-day promotion that encouraged diners to eat out on June 19 at participating restaurants.
The funds collected will support organizations aiding in the recovery and rebuilding efforts of New Jersey communities impacted by the storm. To date, the non-profit Hurricane Sandy New Jersey Relief Fund Inc. has raised $38 million from more than 29,000 donors worldwide, in addition to making over 70 grants totaling roughly $15 million to help families, businesses and communities rebuild.
In November, QuickChek collected $110,569 for the fund from its customers, store team members and vendor partners through a limited-time, in-store donation program at all of its New Jersey and New York locations. Altogether, QuickChek has now raised $124,437 for the fund.
QuickChek also delivered on its commitment to giving back to its neighbors and local communities through its annual golf outing at the Hillsborough Golf and Country Club. Some 257 golfers raised more than $52,000 for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, the leading global organization funding Type-1 diabetes research.
United Supermarkets LLC
United Supermarkets LLC, Acosta Marketing and various manufacturers are once again teaming up to help fight neuromuscular disease through the Muscular Dystrophy Association “Aisles of Smiles” promotion. From now through Sept. 3, when guests purchase products labeled with special Aisles of Smiles tags, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the MDA.
Participating stores include all United Supermarkets, Market Street, Amigos and United Express stores in west Texas and Dallas/Fort Worth.
Beginning Aug. 14 through the end of the promotion, guests will also have the opportunity to purchase Smiley Face scan tags at the checkout for as little as $1, with all proceeds going to the MDA. Guests will be encouraged to write their name on the scan tags, which will then be displayed in the stores.