Winn-Dixie celebrates Mardi Gras with community donation program

Winn-Dixie is gearing up for Mardi Gras celebrations in more ways than one.

The retailer announced that it will host events throughout Louisiana, as well as expand its existing partnership with Ochsner Health System as a 2020 Community Champion and sponsor the inaugural Imagination Gala benefitting the children’s hospital.

“Winn-Dixie has been deeply rooted in Louisiana for nearly 64 years, and we are proud to honor local heritage and treasured traditions,” Joey Medina, regional vice president of Winn-Dixie, said. “The community is at the heart of everything we do, and we are extremely excited this Mardi Gras season to build on our partnership with Ochsner Hospital for Children and further commit our support for organizations that impact the communities we serve.”

From Feb. 5 to 25, Winn-Dixie will hold a community donation program throughout its Louisiana stores that invite customers to donate at the register to the Ochsner Hospital for Children.

In addition, on Feb. 20, the retailer will offer king cake decorating at the hospital, host two patients and their families on Mardi Gras floats in the Krewe of Argus and Krewe of Covington parades, and support the hospital through pop-up parties at parking lots.

“Parents from across the Gulf South and beyond entrust the health of their children to our pediatric team at Ochsner Hospital for Children,” Thomas Harris Jr., FACHE, vice president of pediatrics at Ochsner Hospital for Children, said. “The life-changing care our team provides across all disciplines – pediatric cardiology, orthopedics, gastroenterology and more — is possible thanks to the ongoing generosity of amazing community partners like Winn-Dixie.”

Winn-Dixie also will commission Mardi Gras masks designed by local artist Kelly Sylvain, which will feature mystery gift cards valued between $5 to $25.