Big Y donates funds to Oklahoma disaster recovery

Date: 7/3/2013

SPRINGFIELD – In response to Oklahoma tornadoes that touched down and caused massive destruction throughout parts of Oklahoma, Big Y World Class Markets responded by hosting a donation program in all Massachusetts and Connecticut stores.

Big Y World Class Markets collected donations from customer and employees for the American Red cross Disaster Relief. Funds were raised through a special in-store customer/employee donation program. The community and employee donations along with additional support from Big Y resulted in a donation $40,000, which will be utilized by both Massachusetts and Connecticut American Red Cross Chapters in support of the ongoing relief efforts in the devastated communities and the many people affected by the natural disaster.

A formal check presentation to the Massachusetts American Red Cross took place June 26. Donald D'Amour, Chief Executive Officer, of Big Y Foods presented the contribution to Rick Lee, Pioneer Valley Chapter Director and Joe Kuzma, Director of Major Gifts, American Red Cross Connecticut Chapter

"Time and time again Big Y, its employees and customers have shown incredible compassion and generosity toward people in need," Lee said. "This customer donation program is one of many that Big Y has run for the Red Cross in recent years and we are more than grateful for their continued support."

Thanks to the public's generous support, the Red Cross has been able to provide food, shelter, relief supplies and comfort to thousands of people. Big Y, its customers and employees have a strong tradition of supporting those in need. Past initiatives include campaigns to support both international and domestic disasters such as Red Cross International Response Fund – Haiti Relief and Development. After the Japan Earthquake and Tsunami, Big Y presented donations to the American Red Cross totaling $100,000.

When devastation hit right in our own back yard in 2011, Big Y, its customers and employees donated $141,000 to Red Cross tornado relief. Most recently, through similar efforts, Big Y Foods presented donations to the American Red Cross totaling $75,000 for relief efforts do to Hurricane Sandy that struck in October.