2005 News Releases
Media Contacts:
Terry Derreberry
Winn-Dixie Stores, Inc.
(904) 783-5852
(904) 233-0631 (cell)
Todd Lynch
St. John & Partners
(904) 281-2500 x-1009
(904) 233-0123 (cell)
Website:
www.winn-dixie.com
HURRICANE WILMA SPURS WINN-DIXIE
TO EXTEND CAMPAIGN FOR RED CROSS DISASTER FUND
Customers’ Donations Go To The American Red Cross’
Disaster Relief Fund Through
Winn-Dixie’s Neighbors Helping Neighbors Program
JACKSONVILLE, FL (October 28, 2005) – Winn-Dixie Stores announced that it is extending its “Neighbors Helping Neighbors” program to assist the American Red Cross’ Disaster Relief Fund to benefit storm victims. The program, launched on August 29 as Hurricane Katrina tore through the Louisiana and Mississippi Gulf Coast, will run through the end of hurricane season – November 30.
“Neighbors Helping Neighbors” is an easy, convenient way for Winn-Dixie customers to help victims impacted by natural disasters like hurricanes and floods. Winn-Dixie customers donate directly to the American Red Cross’ Disaster Relief Fund by simply telling the cashier how much they want to add to their total bill when checking out at the register. The Jacksonville, Fla.-based grocer has stores in 23 metro markets throughout the Southeast, all of which have felt the wrath of this year’s tropical storms.
“With the devastation wrought by hurricanes Arlene, Dennis, Katrina, Rita and now, Wilma, the resources of the Red Cross and other first responders are really stretched to the breaking point,” said Christian Smith of the American Red Cross. “Winn-Dixie has been a consistent partner to the Red Cross, always stepping up and finding ways to help throughout the entire year. ‘Neighbors Helping Neighbors’ is really what the Red Cross and Winn-Dixie are all about – and the program is helping us provide assistance to the people who need it at the time they really need it.”
“We can’t thank Winn-Dixie and its customers enough for helping us help the millions of victims from these hurricanes and other disasters,” she added.
“Our customers all across the Southeast are generously helping their neighbors affected by hurricanes by donating at the checkout aisle whenever they shop. As a community and business leader, we at Winn-Dixie value the opportunity to assist the neighborhoods we serve in times of crisis,” said Terry Derreberry, Winn-Dixie Director of Communications and Neighborhood Marketing.
“We understand the recovery process will be long and difficult for our neighbors,” added Derreberry. “We’re doing everything we can to help our neighbors and we thank our customers for helping in the recovery effort.”
The American Red Cross provides immediate response in more than 70,000 disasters each year through its Disaster Relief Fund. Disasters include fires, hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, and tornadoes. Contributions to the relief fund are used to provide food, shelter, counseling and other assistance to victims, as needed.
Winn-Dixie Stores, Inc., is one of the nation’s largest food retailers. Founded in 1925, the company is headquartered in Jacksonville, FL. For more information, please visit www.winn-dixie.com.
# # #
News Release #6010