Shamrocks help kids with muscular dystrophy attend camp

NEW YORK – The Muscular Dystrophy Association’s 37th annual #MDAShamrocks campaign is underway, with 20,000 retail partners participating nationwide.

The campaign aims to raise money to help MDA transform the lives of kids and adults with muscular dystrophy, ALS and related life-threatening neuromuscular diseases. The money supports scientific research and support services, such as the ability to send children ages 8 to 17 to MDA summer camps across the country at no cost to their families.

Retailers, including CITGO Petroleum Corp., Bojangles’, Burger King, O’Charley’s and KFC, invite customers to participate by adding a paper Shamrock to their purchase at checkout for a $1, $5 or larger contribution through the end of March.

Each Shamrock is signed by the customer and displayed in each location, demonstrating the community’s support of MDA.

“Shamrocks is a simple way for consumers to give strength and transform the lives of people living with muscular dystrophy, ALS and related neuromuscular diseases,” MDA President and CEO Lynn O’Connor Vos said. “We are thankful for our gracious retail partners across the country who open their doors each year to help advance MDA’s mission of funding over 150 care centers, research to accelerate treatments and cures, and the chance for children to attend our summer camp programs at no cost to families.”

In addition to selling MDA Shamrocks in-store, corporate partners can participate in “Green Day for MDA,” on March 15. “Green Day for MDA” was created for organizations, companies and individuals who don’t have access to traditional retail locations to participate in pin-up campaigns. Participants wear green to raise awareness and host other unique fundraising events to support the MDA community.

The program has raised more than $323 million since its inception.

On the web: www.mda.org/shamrocks