Big Y and its employees donate to TBBCF to help fight breast cancer
Big Y has donated $3,000 to the Terri Brodeur Breast Cancer Foundation as part of its annual Partners of Hope Campaign.
On March 9, Big Y store managers at the Stonington location presented a check to TBBCF board member, Patti Burmahl.
Every October, the Massachusetts-based Big Y raises money to support breast cancer awareness. This year employees and customers raised more than $216,000 and donated it all to 32 breast cancer support groups in Massachusetts and Connecticut.
During the 2018 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.
Big Y’s dietitian team, Carrie Taylor and Andrea Luttrell, also devoted a portion of the Fall newsletter to information on cancer prevention.
This year, during the month of February, the Big Y in Groton also sold reusable grocery bags and donated $1 to TBBCF for each sale.
“Breast cancer affects thousands of women and more men each year,” Big Y President and CEO Charles D’Amour said in 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, CT 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 $4.4 million in grants to 44 researchers.