Cause Marketing/ Community Programs

MOORESVILLE, N.C. — Lowe’s has donated $250,000 to the First Response Team of America, a nonprofit organization dedicated to responding to natural disasters and working alongside local agencies to help save lives in the wake of destruction.

PITTSBURGH — The Dick's Sporting Goods Foundation, quarterback Drew Brees and imPACT for PACE (Protecting Athletes through Concussion Education) have joined forces to help educate athletes at all levels of the dangers of concussions.

The Promenade Shops at Centerra – located in Loveland, Colo. – is featuring a repeat of its “Promenade Kid Days” this summer.

The 2012 iteration offers a lineup of educational and entertaining events for children of all ages, held every other Tuesday through Aug. 14.

Each day features themes with corresponding activities such as horse-drawn wagon rides, mini train rides, face painting, balloon art, painting classes and emergency vehicle tours.

All activities are free and open to the public.

MINNEAPOLIS — Target has donated $15,000 in monetary support and product to assist with Duluth flood relief efforts. A $10,000 cash donation was given to the American Red Cross Northland Chapter to support their response efforts. An additional $5,000 in gift cards will be donated to local nonprofit organizations for essentials such as water and food.

NEW YORK — American Eagle Outfitters has engaged "real," as opposed to well-known celebrities, as the faces of its new back-to-school campaign.

The "Live Your Life" campaign will feature 15 people -- from fashion bloggers and stylists to musicians and actors -- each modeling a style of American Eagle Outfitters jeans.

SUNBURY, Pa. — Weis Markets has raised $191,000 in donations and pet supplies for 94 local animal shelters and rescue organizations in its five state market area through its Paws for Pets program, nearly double the total raised in 2011.

The four-week program ran through Memorial Day weekend in the Company's stores in Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, New York and West Virginia.  During this time, 64 stores also hosted pet adopt-a-thon events with local pet organizations.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Meijer recently joined the U.S. Environment Protection Agency's GreenChill Partnership. Created as a voluntary partnership, GreenChill members focus on reducing refrigerant emissions and decreasing their impact on the environment and ultimately people's health. By joining GreenChill, Meijer is pledging to meet higher standards that go beyond the regulatory requirements to protect the ozone layer and combat climate change.

MINNEAPOLIS — Target has released its 2011 Corporate Responsibility Report, and while the company was happy to offer insight into its past performance, its focus is on the future. In that vein, the company has introduced new corporate responsibility goals:
 

• To increase its sustainable seafood selection by ennsuring its fresh and frozen seafood offerings are 100% sustainable and traceable by the end of fiscal year 2015.

• Enhance at least 50 owned-brand packaging designs to be more sustainable.