The AFPD Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization known for its sponsorship of an annual Turkey Drive to help feed Detroit-area families at Thanksgiving, as well as its thousands of dollars in college scholarships to help the students of AFPD member families, [image-nocss] collected donations from generous AFPD members and sent the total to the American Red Cross.
Basim Shina, an AFPD member who along with his four brothers owns seven Southeast Michigan-area independent markets and five Save-A-Lot stores, said, "I was struck by what the people in Haiti were going through. They deserve better."
The Shina family's very generous donation was an excellent jumpstart to the AFPD Foundation's efforts to raise money for the people of Haiti, the group said.
"I look at it like this," added Shina. "If God gave you money and success, then you should support others. I encourage other retailers to do the same thing."
"Many of our members are experiencing tough economic times, but they gave generously to our Haitian relief fund," said Auday P. Arabo, AFPD's chief operating officer. "And those who found it just too hard to donate at this time were asked to pray for the people affected in Haiti. A little love and compassion will go a long way in saving a life."
"In our everyday life, we sometimes lose sight of how blessed we are to be in living and working in the greatest country in the world, the United States of America," said Arabo. "However, there are many who struggle and hope for some food, water and maybe, if they are so fortunate, some shelter. The AFPD Foundation is grateful to be able to help the Haitian people at this time of great suffering and need."
Celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, AFPD lobbies on behalf of independent retailers and helping its members remain competitive. AFPD has kept the industry connected and progressive by publishing valuable trade information, offering ongoing training and business development, as well as sponsoring cost-saving programs to help the industry cut expenses and boost efficiency.
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