Big Y donates $3,772 through their Partners of Hope and reusable shopping bag campaigns
By ELLEN SWERCEWSKI
Big Y has donated $3,000 to the Terri Brodeur Breast Cancer Foundation as part of its annual Partners of Hope Campaign, and another $772 for the Big Y reusable shopping bag campaign.
On Feb. 14, 2020, Big Y store managers, Tom Socha (l) and Gary Dziekan (r), presented a check at the Groton store to TBBCF director of development and outreach, Amelia Caster.
Every October, the Massachusetts-based Big Y raises money to support breast cancer awareness. Proceeds from the campaign are donated to 32 breast cancer support groups in Massachusetts and Connecticut.
During the 2019 Partners of Hope campaign, the nearly 80 local Big Y stores raised the money, in part, from portions of proceeds from sales in the floral and produce departments, the butcher shop, and through the sale of some Big Y labeled foods. The pharmacy and wellness center also donated $5 for every flu shot given out, and $1 for every Big Y pink reusable, earth-friendly shopping bag that was sold.
“Breast cancer affects thousands of women and more men each year,” Big Y President and CEO Charles D’ Amour said in a press release. “Through our Partners of Hope campaign, we want to not only promote breast cancer awareness but also save lives through early detection and care.’’
Big Y, which is headquartered in Springfield, MA, was founded in 1936 and is family owned with more than 11,000 employees. Since 2007, Big Y has raised more than $2 million to support local breast cancer initiatives.
TBBCF is a non-profit based in New London, Conn., that directs 100 percent of gross fundraising dollars to breast cancer research. Administrative costs are sponsor supported or volunteer provided. Since 2006, when the foundation was established, it has awarded nearly $5 million in grants to researchers.