WAWA, PA--(Marketwire - Nov 6, 2012) - Wawa, Inc., today announced the launch of a chain-wide, in-store crisis campaign, designed to provide disaster relief assistance to those communities most affected by Hurricane Sandy. The campaign is being held in partnership with the American Red Cross and 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, Wawa's CEO. "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."
All donations made through Wawa's campaign will be donated to the American Red Cross and will be designated specifically for the disaster relief effort. These funds will be used to help the American Red Cross 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 will run 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."
About Wawa, Inc.
Wawa, Inc., a privately held company, began in 1803 as an iron foundry in New Jersey. Toward the end of the 19th Century, owner George Wood took an interest in dairy farming and the family began a small processing plant in Wawa, Pa, in 1902. The milk business was a huge success, due to its quality, cleanliness and "certified" process. As home delivery of milk declined in the early 1960s, Grahame Wood, George's grandson, opened the first Wawa Food Market in 1964 as an outlet for dairy products. Today, Wawa is your all day, everyday stop for fresh, built-to-order foods, beverages, coffee, fuel services, and surcharge-free ATMs. A chain of more than 602 convenience retail stores (300 offering gasoline), Wawa stores are located in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland and Virginia and beginning in 2012, Central Florida. The stores offer a large fresh food service selection, including Wawa brands such as built-to-order hoagies, freshly-brewed coffee, hot breakfast sandwiches, built-to-order Specialty Beverages, and an assortment of soups, sides and snacks.