Winn-Dixie, Port Orleans Brewing donate $70K to Ochsner Cancer Institute

Winn-Dixie partnered with Port Orleans Brewing to donate $71,127 to the Ochsner Cancer Institute.

“We cannot thank our customers and associates enough for their generous donations to such an important organization. The incredible work that the Ochsner Cancer Institute does for the Gulf Coast region is crucial to the wellbeing of the communities we serve,” Joey Medina, the regional vice president at Winn-Dixie, said. “It is an honor to build on our relationships with Port Orleans and Ochsner as we all continue to do our best to make an impact on the everyday lives of the people in our community.”

Funds, which were raised during the “Lending a Helping Can” partnership at the retailer’s locations throughout Louisiana, encouraged customers to donate at the register. While those Port Orleans and its patrons supported the cause through a contribution of beer sales during the campaign’s run.

“It’s an honor to participate in this campaign with Winn-Dixie – bringing awareness to the variety of services available to cancer patients in our community,” Zach Strief, owner and co-founder of Port Orleans Brewing said. “Our community is founded on the values of charity and service, so it’s important for us to also give back to the community that gives so much.”

The campaign was also the first time the companies teamed up to support the Ochsner Health Institute.

“The Integrative Medicine Program at Gayle and Tom Benson Cancer Center at Ochsner looks at the patient as a whole – body, mind and spirit,” Elizabeth Lapeyre, director of the integrative medicine program for Ochsner, said. “Embracing this holistic approach is an investment in the long-term health and wellbeing of our patients fighting cancer and is one more way Ochsner is providing the best care, customized to what a patient needs to thrive. We are incredibly grateful for the ‘Lend a Helping Can’ campaign for its support of this program.”

Both organizations are looking forward to expanding the partnership to another year, the companies said.

“The Ochsner Cancer Institute is committed to providing expert cancer care where its patients live, in large and small communities alike, and provides the support and services to bring more ‘good days’ to patients undergoing treatment,” Brian Moore, Director of the Ochsner Cancer Institute, said. “In the Spring of 2020, the newly expanded Gayle and Tom Benson Cancer Center at Ochsner Medical Center will double in size and provide even more access to the latest cancer treatments, research and multidisciplinary care that treats the whole patient —physically, mentally and emotionally. Philanthropic support from organizations like Port Orleans and Winn-Dixie make what we do possible. We are very thankful to them and all Lend a Helping Can participants.”