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 will highlight these philanthropic efforts in this special section.
Here are the latest company spotlights:
Aloha Petroleum
Aloha Petroleum Ltd raised more than $4,700 for the American Heart Association (AHA), Hawaii Division, to support the organization's mission to help Hawaii's residents lead healthier lives free of cardiovascular disease and stroke.
During January and February, the company set up donation canisters at its Aloha Island Mart convenience stores on Oahu, Maui, Kauai and the Big Island. In addition, canisters were also set up at select Shell locations.
"Mahalo to all of our very generous customers who helped make this donation possible," said Richard Parry, president and CEO of Aloha Petroleum. "Cardiovascular disease and stroke are the leading causes of death in Hawaii and the American Heart Association is working hard every day to change that. We commend AHA and are pleased to support their efforts to help prevent heart disease and stroke."
Chevron< Corp. and The Coca-Cola Co.
Chevron Corp. and The Coca-Cola Co. were among the public-private partnerships recognized for their contributions by the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, as well as the Friends of the Global Fight Against AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.
Chevron, which was the first company to become a Global Fund Corporate Champion, invested $30 million from 2008 through 2010 and spearheaded awareness and capacity initiatives, furthering the reach and impact of Global Fund grants. The company also has committed to investing an additional $25 million for 2011 through 2013 to support programs dedicated to fighting HIV/AIDS and reducing mother-to-child transmission of the virus.
Meanwhile, Coca-Cola was honored for bringing its significant supply chain knowledge to the Tanzania government. In partnership with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the company shared its business expertise with the country to help in the delivery of lifesaving drugs. The company also recently partnered with (RED) to provide more than $5 million over the next four years to the Global Fund; at least $3 million will be given directly to the Global Fund to purchase HIV/AIDS medication and distribute prevention information.
ExxonMobil Corp.
ExxonMobil and its employees and retirees in north Texas raised more than $1.6 million for Dallas/Fort Worth-area charitable organizations during the inaugural Employees' Favorite Charities Campaign. Non-profit organizations benefiting from the campaign offer a wide range of social and educational services to residents in Collin, Dallas, Denton and Tarrant counties.
Employees and retirees contributed to 219 charities, with more than half qualifying for a matching corporate contribution because of their focus on providing health and human services. As a result, 127 local non-profit organizations received contributions from ExxonMobil Corp. in addition to the individual contributions made by employees and retirees.
"ExxonMobil has a long history of providing financial support to community groups and educational organizations in north Texas, and our employees and retirees volunteer thousands of hours of their time and talent annually to local causes," said Rex W. Tillerson, chairman and CEO. "Our employees and retirees have continued a strong tradition of giving in the communities where we live and work."
NOCO Express
NOCO Energy Corp.'s NOCO Express stores, along with customers and employees, raised $12,980 for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) through the company's annual "Share the Shamrock Spirit" fundraising program.
From Feb. 13 through March 18, customers could purchase a $1 paper shamrock at any NOCO Express location to benefit the MDA. Since 2008, NOCO has donated $41,598 in support of finding a cure and supporting the organization's programs and services.
"Thank you to all of our customers and employees for sharing in NOCO's shamrock spirit in support of the MDA this year," said Michael Newman, executive vice president, operations, NOCO Energy Corp. "Your generosity will provide continued support for MDA programs and services benefitting individuals right here in western New York, from sponsoring a child at MDA summer camp to purchasing wheelchairs and other related medical equipment."
Shell Oil Co.
Shell Oil Co. honored nationally acclaimed recording artist Clay Walker with its Shell Legacy Award at a dinner celebrating the Shell Houston Open's legacy of charitable giving.
Presented by Bruce Culpepper, executive vice president Human Resources and Regional Coordination for Shell in the Americas, the 2012 Shell Legacy Award recognizes Walker for his humanitarian efforts both through the "Band Against MS" (BAMS) not-for-profit public charity committed to providing educational information for those living with multiple sclerosis, and his work with the Military Warriors Support Foundation.
Previous award recipients include former First Lady Barbara Bush, NFL Hall of Fame member Emmitt Smith and former Secretary of State James A. Baker III.
The company also kicked off the 2012 Shell Houston Open, which runs through April 1 on the Redstone Golf Club Tournament course. Since 1992, when Shell Oil Co. became the title sponsor, the Shell Houston Open has raised more than $50 million for local charities.
The week of the Shell Houston Open also coincides with another key Shell community event in Houston at Discovery Green, the Shell Eco-Marathon Americas. Through both events, Shell continues to support children and students by demonstrating a commitment to education at all ages, the company said.
Stewart's Shops
Stewart's Shops recently donated $1,000 through the company's Holiday Match program to assist the Little Falls City School District with its $100,000 playground project.
Since 1986, Stewart's has been collecting customer donations from Thanksgiving Day through Christmas Day. The donations are matched by Stewart's with 100 percent of the funds returning to communities in which the shops are located, and benefitting children aged 18 and younger.