WAWA, Pa. -- Wawa Inc. has announced the launch of a chain-wide, in-store campaign designed to provide disaster relief assistance to those communities most affected by Hurricane Sandy. It is holding the campaign in partnership with the American Red Cross; it allows customers to help contribute to disaster relief by adding $1, $3 or $5 to their Wawa purchase at checkout.
"Wawa has always had a strong commitment to providing crisis response and assisting those in need, and we've been partnering with the American Red Cross in these kinds of efforts for decades," said Howard Stoeckel, CEO of the Wawa, Pa.-based chain. "We have a long history of supporting the Red Cross that includes providing aid for Hurricanes Andrew, Katrina, Rita and the Midwestern floods, the Asian tsunamis, September 11 and the Haitian relief effort. We are committed to doing everything we can to assist in this recent disaster."
Wawa will give all donations made through the campaign to the Red Cross, designating them specifically for the disaster relief effort. The Red Cross will use the funds to provide immediate and vital support to those communities suffering from the effects of Hurricane Sandy.
In addition to funds raised through the in-store campaign, Wawa will also make a $100,000 donation to the Red Cross. The campaign is running from November 2 through November 11 in all of Wawa's 602 stores throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and Florida.
"Many of our stores are located in communities severely affected by Hurricane Sandy, and as committed community partners, we want to do everything we can to support our friends and neighbors in this time of need," said Chris Gheysens, Wawa's president. "We are constantly overwhelmed by the concern and generosity of our customers and associates, who realize that through a small donation, they can help make a huge difference."
Separately, the BP Foundation, Houston, said that it will donate $500,000 to the American Red Cross in support of Hurricane Sandy relief efforts.
The $500,000 donation is in addition to donations made by the BP Foundation Employee Matching Program and will assist Red Cross efforts to provide meals, shelter, clothing, water and medical care.
And Hess Corp. said that is has donated $5 million to relief efforts in New York and New Jersey following Hurricane Sandy.
"We are deeply concerned about the welfare of all the people who are suffering from the devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy," said John B. Hess, Chairman and CEO of the New York City-based company. "To support the relief efforts, we are donating $2.5 million to the Mayor's Fund to Advance New York City under the direction of Mayor Michael Bloomberg and $2.5 million to New Jersey under the direction of Governor Chris Christie. We are grateful for the heroic efforts of emergency personnel and all those who have responded to this tragedy."
In addition, Hess has offered a matching gift program for employees who wish to make a personal contribution to these relief efforts.
Click here to donate to the Red Cross Hurricane Sandy relief effort.
Meanwhile, San Antonio-based VP Racing Fuels regional distribution center in Newark, Del., locked down in preparation for Hurricane Sandy but weathered high winds, heavy rains and driving bans to emerge unscathed and ready to roll Tuesday morning with a focus on providing storm support. It has been shipping VP Small Engine Fuel to customers throughout New England and the Mid-Atlantic region, including fire departments, municipalities and others to help ensure their gas-powered work can continue uninterrupted.
"Due to the storm, a tremendous number of power outages have occurred throughout the Northeast," said Jim Kelly, VP's eastern regional manager. "In those situations, generators are often used for backup power, chain saws are critical for many things, including removal of trees from power lines, and all these tools require gasoline. Pump gas may not be readily available, and if given a choice, ethanol-free VP Small Engine Fuel is better suited for sure starts and prolonged use without gumming. During these critical rescue efforts, the hard starts and fuel system problems caused by ethanol in pump gas are the last things you want to deal with."
He added, "We've been in contact with the Governor's offices in the region to offer our assistance in any way possible. We've shipped significant amounts of product to our usual supply lines but have a large inventory of VP-SEFTM in place to serve anyone who may be in need. If UPS or trucking companies can access your area we can get it there."
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