Red Cross and Giant Eagle Fundraiser for Haiti Relief and Development Totaled $392,136

PITTSBURGH, Feb. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Red Cross today announced that its fundraiser with Pittsburgh-based retailer Giant Eagle – along with its team members and customers – has concluded and raised a stunning $392,136 to help the victims of last month's destructive earthquake in Haiti.

Immediately after last month's earthquake caused catastrophic damage and loss of life, Giant Eagle reached out to the Red Cross to form a fundraising partnership designed to help the victims of the disaster.

All of the money raised from this and all Red Cross Haiti fundraisers supports only the relief efforts of this specific disaster.  The money will help the earthquake victims by providing such essential needs as food, clothing, water, shelter, medical care and other crucial supplies.

Between Jan. 16 and Feb. 6, customers at Giant Eagle, GetGo, Giant Eagle Express, and Market District stores throughout western Pennsylvania made donations in $1 or $5 increments at checkout to the American Red Cross Haiti Relief and Development Fund, totaling $342,136.  Giant Eagle added a corporate contribution of $50,000, bringing the final total to $392,136.

"Our customers and team members have demonstrated tremendous generosity in the efforts to help these unfortunate earthquake victims," said Giant Eagle Senior Director of Corporate Communications Rob Borella.  "Along with our customers, we have been moved by the devastation in Haiti."

Officials at the local Red Cross are very appreciative of the generosity shown by Giant Eagle and numerous other corporations and organizations throughout Southwestern Pennsylvania.

"Everyone at the Red Cross is impressed by the tremendous success of this fundraiser, and we can't thank Giant Eagle and their loyal customers enough," said Patricia Waldinger, CEO of the American Red Cross Southwestern Pennsylvania Chapter.  "Like all Red Cross Haiti fundraisers, all of the money raised by Giant Eagle will go directly toward our efforts to help the people of Haiti recover from this terrible disaster."

Giant Eagle is one of numerous partners in Southwestern Pennsylvania that worked with the local Red Cross to help the victims of Haiti.  Since the earthquake struck, the local Red Cross has raised more than $1 million for Haiti relief, and that number continues to increase.

Among the other companies and groups who have partnered with the local Red Cross on substantial fundraisers are Allegheny County, City of Pittsburgh, Eat 'n Park, KDKA Radio, Pittsburgh Pirates, Pittsburgh Penguins, Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, SHOP 'N SAVE, University of Pittsburgh Athletic Department, WPXI-TV/Channel 11 and WTAE/Channel 4.  

This list is in addition to the countless area businesses, individuals, schools and groups that are conducting independent fundraisers and donating the proceeds to the Red Cross, as well as the numerous fundraisers set up by the American Red Cross national organization.

While the generosity of the community has been impressive, the need for additional help remains great, as the relief effort in Haiti will take months or even years.

Given the logistics of the situation, the local Red Cross is not able to accept the donation of physical goods; a financial donation in any amount is the best way the general public can help with the relief efforts.

Below is a list of ways people from the community can help with Haiti relief efforts.

• Text the word "Haiti" to 90999 to send a $10 donation to the Haiti Relief and Development Fund. The charge will appear on your next cell phone bill.

• Call 412-263-3100.

• Visit redcross.org and click on "Donate Now."

• Mail a check to the American Red Cross, 225 Blvd. of the Allies, Pittsburgh, PA 15222.  The check should be marked "Haiti" in the memo section if the donor wishes the funds to be earmarked for this particular disaster.

For more information, visit the Southwestern Pennsylvania Chapter's Web site at swpa.redcross.org or call 412-263-3100.

Follow us on Facebook (Red Cross Southwestern Pa.) and Twitter (RedCrossSWPA).

SOURCE Giant Eagle