ROANOKE, Va. (Aug. 25, 2010) — Parts retailer Advance Auto Parts Inc. is launching its 2010 “sneaker” sales campaign to benefit children with diabetes.
The Roanoke-based company has been a long-time corporate partner with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). This year marks Advance Auto's 17th consecutive year of support for JDRF in the search to find a cure for type 1 (juvenile) diabetes. The parts company said it has, in the past 16 years, raised more than $20 million for the foundation, including a record-breaking campaign that raised $3.8 million for diabetes research in last year.
Already this year, Advance Auto and its employees have raised $1.6 million towards the 2010 company goal of $4 million for JDRF.
The company's “sneaker” sales program, which will be held at more than 3,500 stores in 39 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, begins Thursday, Aug. 26, and runs through Oct. 2. Customers can purchase paper “sneakers” for $1, $5, $25 or $50, which are then displayed in the store windows to show support for the cause. Proceeds from every sneaker sold go directly to JDRF.
“Giving to charitable organizations like JDRF is part of our history, part of our culture and a reflection of our values. I'm looking forward to working with our team members around the country to make our 2010 campaign a big success as we accelerate the cure for diabetes,” said Darren Jackson, Advance Auto's CEO. “I am extremely proud of our team's hard work and commitment to serving our communities better than anyone else.”
Jeffrey Brewer, president and CEO of JDRF, said the organization “is delighted with the generosity, initiative, and passion Advance Auto Parts has shown in helping to fight type 1 diabetes and its complications. We are proud to be partnering with dedicated and leading businesses like Advance Auto Parts who have helped us accelerate the pace of research.”
In addition to the retail store “sneaker” campaign, Advance said it is raising additional donations from fundraising events at the company's distribution centers and store support center. Planned events include silent auctions and participation in several local JDRF community walks and golf tournaments.