Americus Lowe’s continues push for Dystrophy with fundraiser

Local News

March 13, 2010

From Staff Reports

AMERICUS — The Americus area Lowe’s stores are decking their walls in Irish-themed green, gold and platinum Shamrock in their continued support of the MDA’s Shamrocks Against Dystrophy Campaign.

The home improvement retailer, with help from customers and employees, is helping to raise money to help MDA provide lifesaving research, medical clinics and accessible summer camp to individuals and families affected by muscular dystrophy and related diseases across America. Last year, Lowe’s raised $4.3 million dollars nationwide.

At the heart of the Shamrocks campaign are $1 green, $5 gold, and $20 platinum Shamrocks mobiles that customers purchase and sign. Lowe’s stores decorate their walls with Shamrocks to spotlight their customers and the Lowe’s MDA partnership in festive St. Patrick’s Day displays.

“Americus Lowe's employees really get into the St. Patrick’s Day’s spirit and have a great time with this campaign," said Laura West, MDA Fundraising Coordinator. “The result is truly phenomenal for the families we serve.”

The popular Shamrocks fundraiser, which this year features a “Text IRISH to 20222” mobile giving option for cell phone users interested in contributing $5 to MDA by texting, helps fuel MDA’s worldwide research program and national network of more than 200 clinics, including the clinics at Emory University and Scottish Rite of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

Shamrock sales also help send area children with neuromuscular diseases to a fun-filled week of barrier-free MDA summer camp at Camp Twin Lakes Rutledge, Ga.

MDA is the nonprofit health agency dedicated to curing muscular dystrophy, ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) and related diseases by funding worldwide research. The Association also provides comprehensive health care and support services, advocacy and education.

The majority of contributions to MDA come from individual donors. To learn more about Shamrocks Against Dystrophy and MDA programs, contact the Macon MDA office at 478-471-9090 or visit www.mda.org