Winn-Dixie kicks off breast cancer awareness campaign

Throughout the month of October, Winn-Dixie is looking to raise awareness and funds to help support the fight against breast cancer.

The Jacksonville, Fla.-based retailer is partnering with the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer on a campaign at its stores.

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“Winn-Dixie has a long history of being there for communities during their most vulnerable moments, and we know facing a cancer diagnosis is one of those unfathomable times,” Lynn Rushing, the regional vice president of Winn-Dixie, said. “Our strong relationship with Making Strides allows our communities to come together and support neighbors fighting for their lives as we aid the American Cancer Society in providing crucial resources and community support to those touched by the disease, including my own family when my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. Winn-Dixie is proud to join Making Strides in offering hope and healing to individuals living with this horrible disease.”

Until Oct. 26, customers who shop at Winn-Dixie’s Alabama, Mississippi, the Florida Panhandle and Columbus, Ga., stores are encouraged to round up their grocery total at checkout to make a donation towards the cause.

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“We are so thrilled and excited about the partnership the American Cancer Society has with Winn-Dixie. And we are even more thrilled to be bringing back an ‘in-person’ event here in South Alabama for the city of Mobile,” Suzannah Weeks, the senior campaign manager of the American Cancer Society, said. “We intend to make this a special day and celebrate our survivors and thrivers in their entire journey. We want people to know American Cancer Society is with them every step of the way, and we thank Winn-Dixie for taking those steps with us. Cancer has not stopped and neither have we!”

Funds collected will go directly to supporting patients and families, as well as towards research, information sharing about breast cancer prevention and encouraging annual screenings which can lead to early detection, the retailer said.