P Collaborative to Participate in a 24-Hour Online Fundraiser for the Healthy Corner Store Initiative on March 24!
United Way of Buffalo & Erie County Hosting Event to Benefit Local Nonprofits
P² Collaborative of WNY (P² Collaborative) will be participating in Spring It On, an online 24-hour fundraising event, in support of the Healthy Corner Store Initiative on March 24. Spring It On is designed to raise awareness and funds for a variety of nonprofit organizations throughout Western New York with a unique one-day focus. Created and powered by the United Way of Buffalo & Erie County, more than 250 local nonprofit agencies are expected to participate this year.
Corner stores — often thought of as a source of unhealthy foods—can be key partners in the effort to improve access to healthy, affordable foods. Through the Healthy Corner Store Initiative, The Food Trust, a nationally recognized nonprofit, supports corner store owners who want to increase the healthy food inventory in their stores and help their customers make healthier choices. Rita Hubbard Robinson, CEO of NeuWater & Associates, LLC. and partner in the Healthy Corner Store initiative had this to say about the work currently being done: “Imagine, not being able to eat because you’re in a desert… Well many individuals are not able to eat healthy because corner stores, do not traditionally offer affordable produce and super markets are more than a 30 minute walk away. This initiative partners with corner stores willing to stock produce in their store. We help to keep prices for the produce affordable by working with the local growing community to provide fresh produce and we work with the surrounding block clubs, churches and community centers to offer education around healthy eating and proper portions. We also incentivize through gift certificates for the purchase of produce in these stores as a launch activity. Together, agencies, government and community partners bring a full strategic plan to creating healthier communities.”
P² Collaborative will primarily use online communications to reach its current supporters and to cultivate new ones as part of Spring It On including Facebook and Twitter (/P2WNY). P² Collaborative hopes to raise $1,200 that will help fund coolers to bring healthy food options into neighborhood stores in the City of Buffalo. The goal of Spring It On is to create a one-day focal point to mobilize citizens to donate to a favorite nonprofit organization or project. P² Collaborative is participating to highlight the impact that giving has on organizations, and to strengthen and support our community. Secure, online donations to P² Collaborative or to any participating organization can be made at www.SpringItOn.org.
Spring It On updates will be posted on Facebook/P2WNY and Twitter/P2WNYthroughout the event, as well as on United Way of Buffalo and Erie County’s Facebook page and Twitter account via #SpringItOnWNY and #HealthyCornerStore. For more information, visit www.p2wny.org.
