Babies are ‘biggest winner’ from Kmart effort
Kmart is taking its long-running affiliation with March of Dimes to a new level this year with the help of America’s fiercest fitness expert.
Kmart has supported the March of Dimes for 32 years and is the organization’s top corporate fundraiser.This year, the retailer is working with celebrity fitness icon, mom, Kmart ambassador and former host of the hit show The Biggest Loser, Jillian Michaels, to kick-off its 2015 fundraising campaign, raising awareness and money for the March of Dimes efforts to discover causes of premature births and develop innovative treatments.
“As a mom, I'm proud to team with Kmart in support of March of Dimes because their work has made such incredible strides in its mission for healthy babies," Michaels said. "I know firsthand the transformative impact people can achieve when they dedicate themselves toward a goal – and that's what giving to March of Dimes is all about. Together with Kmart, I'm excited to drive more awareness to this great cause and help more babies get a healthy start in life."
In addition to Kmart’s 32 year affiliation with the group, the retailer has served for 23 years as national sponsor of the annual March for Babies walks, which will take place this spring in 700 communities across the country. In addition to speaking out in support of the campaign, Michaels plans to join Team Kmart at the Los Angeles walk. Michaels, whose Impact by Jillian Michaels performance activewear line is carried exclusively at Kmart, designed a custom t-shirt for members of local March of Dimes chapters to wear at walks in other major cities.
Kmart will give away a limited number of these exclusive t-shirts to fans who follow the brand on Twitter @Kmart. Kmart is encouraging its members and customers to support the fundraising campaign now through June 20 by contributing in-store at any Kmart and online via a link at kmart.com/marchofdimes, with 100% of funds raised benefitting the March of Dimes.
Kmart is also selling a collectible puppy figurine in store and online for $5 with $1 from each sale donated to the March of Dimes. And as a special thank you to it Shop Your Way members, Kmart is offering members who make an in store donation a coupon for 5% back in points on their next qualifying in-store or online merchandise purchase.
"Kmart members and associates know someone or have experienced firsthand the impact of March of Dimes' work to save babies' lives, and we are proud to be its number one fundraiser," said Alasdair James, Kmart’s president and chief member officer. "Generations of babies and their families have benefitted from this relationship and we're deeply proud of the progress that has resulted from this commitment." Kmart has raised more than $125 million over more than three decades to help advance the work being done by March of Dimes on behalf of newborns.
"Kmart's unwavering commitment to the health of mothers and babies has had a profound effect," said Dr. Jennifer L. Howse, president of the March of Dimes. "Their support has led to 231,000 fewer babies being born preterm, led to new treatments, and enabled millions of women to receive much-needed prenatal care. Kmart's support benefits families and communities all across the country."