BI-LO, Kroger offer promotions during Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Published 6:31 pm Thursday, September 23, 2010

Two grocery chains with stores in the area are inviting the public to support breast cancer research during October, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

• BI-LO Charities is inviting the community to support Susan G. Komen for the Cure by purchasing a pink scan card at the checkout counter of any BI-LO store. The cards are available through Tuesday, Oct. 19. Company officials say the cards provide a quick, easy way to donate to this worthy cause by adding an extra dollar to your grocery bill, with all the proceeds supporting breast cancer awareness and research initiatives.

BI-LO will also be featuring products in its weekly ads from vendors that support Susan G. Komen for the Cure so shoppers can extend their support of breast cancer awareness and research while saving money on groceries.

BI-LO Charities is a sponsor of the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, a 5K event to be held in Chattanooga on Sunday. This race gives members of the Chattanooga area community the chance to come together and raise funds in honor or in memory of loved ones who have battled breast cancer.

“Susan G. Komen for the Cure has made a major contribution to awareness of and research for the cures to breast cancer,” said BI-LO Charities Executive Director Carol Browning. “BI-LO Charities has been a strong supporter of Komen for the Cure’s efforts for many years, and we are honored to offer this easy way for BI-LO customers across the greater Chattanooga area to make a small contribution in memory of a loved one or in honor of a survivor. Together we can make a big difference for many women that have been affected by this debilitating form of cancer.”

For more information about BI-LO Charities and its support of charities like Susan G. Komen for the Cure, visit www.bi-locharities.org. To learn more about Susan G. Komen for the Cure and its work to find the cures for breast cancer and support those affected by the disease, visit www.komen.org.

• Kroger’s Atlanta Division stores will host multiple campaigns to drive awareness and raise funds for breast cancer research through October for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Kroger’s “Giving Hope a Hand” campaign, which runs through Oct. 2, kicks off the grocer’s month of activities. Customers and associates are encouraged to purchase specifically marked items, including Stouffer’s and Lean Cuisine entrees, Cottonelle bath tissue, Pepsi and Kellogg’s items to support Susan G. Komen for the Cure. In addition, customers can purchase $1 pink ribbon icons at Kroger stores in October, also to benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

“With one in eight women likely to face the disease in her lifetime, breast cancer is an issue that resonates deeply with our customers and associates,” said Glynn Jenkins, director of communications and public relations for Kroger’s Atlanta Division. “We hope these programs raise money and awareness to combat this terrible disease that affects so many women in our lives.”

Kroger has launched a website, www.sharingcourage.com, where Kroger associates who have survived breast cancer share their stories and encourage others dealing with this disease.

Kroger customers can also participate in “Pink Ribbon Saturday” at metro Atlanta Kroger stores on Oct. 9 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m, when Susan G. Komen for the Cure volunteers will hand out information about breast cancer awareness, research and treatment.