Kmart customers and associates defied tough economic times and raised a record $10 million for March for Babies to help prevent preterm birth and other threats to infant health, and give more babies a healthy start in life, the March of Dimes said today.
This year’s fundraising means Kmart, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sears Holdings and the March of Dimes longest-standing corporate supporter and largest contributor to its mission, has raised a total of $90 million during this 27-year alliance.
“Kmart’s unprecedented feat of raising $10 million speaks to the generosity and commitment of their customers and associates and ultimately means more babies will be born healthy,” said Dr. Jennifer L. Howse, president of the March of Dimes. “No corporate partner has done more than Kmart to help the March of Dimes help moms have full-term pregnancies and healthy babies. This is an historic partnership that has helped improve infant health and survival for 27 years.”
The 2010 March of Dimes National Ambassador, Joshua Hoffman, and his family know how important Kmart is to the March of Dimes mission. Joshua was born more than four months early, weighing a mere one pound, 11 ounces, and had many undeveloped organs. Doctors did not know if Joshua would survive or if he would ever walk or see. But today, thanks in part to Kmart’s fundraising efforts, Joshua is a typical seven-year-old who likes to swim and play basketball.
“Joshua is the perfect example of why the annual March for Babies campaign has a special place in our hearts here at Kmart,” said Bruce Johnson, interim chief executive officer and president of Sears Holdings. “Like Joshua’s family, many of our associates and customers have experienced premature birth, so we know it’s vitally important to play an active role in helping to give babies a healthy start in life. We are proud that for more than a quarter century Kmart has been a cornerstone of the March of Dimes mission and look forward to the future when all babies are born healthy.”
“I am thankful for everything Kmart has done to help raise funds for the March of Dimes. Contributions and support from corporate America are necessary for the March of Dimes to continue funding breakthrough research to ensure every baby is born healthy,” stated Joshua’s mom, Melanie. “Joshua sent a personal thank you to all Kmart associates this year for their dedication to help save the lives of babies like him. I know that without the help of the March of Dimes and Kmart, he would not be who he is today, a fun and loving child.”