BOULDER, Colo. – Wild Oats Markets, a leading national natural and organic foods retailer, announced last week that it would be donating almost $235,000 to victims of Hurricane Katrina.
Responding quickly to the news of the devastation in the Gulf Coast region, Wild Oats and its other stores (Henry’s Farmers Market, Capers Community Markets and Sun Harvest) sprang into action and put donation programs in place the day after the hurricane to allow customers to give money and supplies to the victims. The donate-at-the-register program lasted throughout the month of September. In addition, Wild Oats stores throughout the country, many of which are located in close proximity to the devastated region, also responded to the victims’ needs through cash donations, donated food to evacuees, fund-raising BBQs, supply drop-off stations and replenishment of local food banks that were depleted during the relief efforts.
“Our local stores are active community members, and our customers are generous and socially aware residents, so it makes sense for us to partner with our community to respond to one of the worst disasters this country has experienced,” said Perry Odak, President and CEO of Wild Oats Markets, Inc. “We’re just proud that our stores were able to raise such a significant amount that will hopefully make a difference to some of the Hurricane Katrina victims.”
Wild Oats is committed to charitable giving and the community. In addition to regular cash register donation programs, nonprofit groups can apply for other charitable giving opportunities at donation stations in the stores. The Company also supports local charitable organizations through food donations, benefit events and its Wooden Nickel program, which allows customers who bring their own shopping bag to the store to make a 5-cent donation to one of several local charities in lieu of receiving a nickel refund.
Wild Oats Markets, Inc. is a nationwide chain of natural and organic food markets in the U.S. and Canada. With annual sales of more than $1 billion, the Company currently operates 112 stores in 24 states and British Columbia. The Company’s natural food stores include Wild Oats Markets, Henry’s Farmers Markets, Sun Harvest and Capers Community Markets. For more information, please visit the Company’s website at www.wildoats.com.
