WOONSOCKET, R.I. - CVS Health announced Friday that it will come together with the Orlando community to support the OneOrlando Fund, established by Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, to raise money for victims and families who have been affected by the Pulse nightclub tragedy.
"We are heartbroken for our customers, colleagues and the community that have been impacted by the senseless tragedy that occurred in Orlando and offer our condolences to their families and loved ones," stated Larry Merlo, president and CEO of CVS Health. "We hope our commitment will help the victims and families affected by this horrific act and support the Orlando community as it begins the healing process."
The CVS Health Foundation will donate $100,000 to the OneOrlando Fund, which is also accepting online donations from the public at www.OneOrlando.org. The Fund will support nonprofits that are helping victims and families, the LGBTQ, Hispanic and faith communities, along with future needs of the community as it tries to move forward.
The OneOrlando Fund is part of the nonprofit organization, Strengthen Orlando, created in 2009.
In addition, beginning June 17, CVS Pharmacy locations in the Greater Orlando, Miami and Ft. Lauderdale areas will hold an in-store fundraising campaign for the OneOrlando Fund that will allow customers and colleagues to make a $1, $3 or more donation at the register directly to the Fund. All proceeds will support the initiative.
"Our City has just begun to recover from the impact of the Pulse tragedy. The support of partners like CVS Health and the CVS Health Foundation sends a signal to our City that we are not in this alone," said Buddy Dyer, Mayor of Orlando. "The money we are raising will provide a way to help us respond to the needs of our community, now and in the time to come. Words cannot begin to express how grateful we are for the outpouring of support from across the globe."
The CVS Pharmacy in-store donation campaign for the OneOrlando Fund will run until Saturday, July 9.