$2.2 Million donated back to local communities in Richmond and Williamsburg
Soon approaching the 90th anniversary of the company, MARTIN’S Food Markets have announced that various charitable donations made in 2012 reached a grand total of $2,229,959 in the greater Richmond area and Williamsburg communities. “MARTIN’S is so proud to be part of the vibrant Richmond and Williamsburg communities, and I want to thank all of our associates for their passion and enthusiasm as we brought our charitable giving to a new height in 2012,” said Jim Scanlon, regional vice president.
These various donations were part of MARTIN’S “Living Here, Giving Here” initiative to give back to the communities that help make MARTIN’S a striving, successful business. Donations provided by “Living Here, Giving There” supported various local hunger relief groups such as Feedmore, while providing donations to the Salvation Army, Christmas Mothers, Richmond SPCA, the United Way, over 300 local schools, the USO of Hampton Roads and Northern Virginia, as well as numerous other non-profit groups in both areas. The main goal of MARTIN’S community service efforts was to promote change and aid those who were unsure as to where their next meal would come from. “Along with our associates, customers, and vendors, we believe we can make a difference in the lives of children and help eradicate hunger within the neighborhoods we serve,” said Scanlon.
In 2012 MARTIN’S donated over $1.3 million to Feedmore, local pantries, and soup kitchens. MARTIN’S also provided these food services with fresh meat and bakery items to aid in the fight against hunger, while simultaneously raising consciousness of the issue. “They help build community awareness about the need for hunger relief through in-store messaging, event sponsorships, and creative fun like their annual donation of 1,000 turkeys in November, unloaded by the University of Richmond football team! Hunger is a real issue in our community, and MARTIN’S is right there beside us helping assure that none shall go hungry.” stated Doug Pick, FeedMore CEO about just how much of an effort MARTIN’S is putting forth to help end hunger.
Not only has MARTIN’S fully engaged in the battle against hunger amongst people in their communities, but homeless animals as well. In 2012 MARTIN’S donated its own Companion brand dog food to the Richmond SPCA to the tune of $39,964, greatly aiding the SPCA, “The remarkably generous donations of pet food that MARTIN’S has given us since they entered the Richmond market have provided healthy food to an average of 350 wonderful homeless pets every day in our humane center all year long,” said Robin Robertson Starr, chief executive officer of Richmond SPCA.
MARTIN’S has pushed the youth to the foreground of their donations as well, giving back $28,981 to the Children’s Hospital of Richmond.
Through their A+ School Rewards program, MARTIN’S has been able to donate $131,307 to 300 public and private schools in the Richmond and Williamsburg areas to help fund scholarship programs, technology initiatives, sports equipement and other educational needs. Richmond’s very own Mills E. Godwin high school received the most scholarship money earning $9,251.
MARTIN’S also donated more than $493,961 to local community and non-profit organizations impacting tens of thousands of individuals and families.
MARTIN’S sets out to continue this trend of community service and battling the war against hunger in 2013 with various events, community donations, and in-store events.
