Shamrocks support MDA

In time for St. Patrick’s Day, and to show support of MDA’s mission to provide help and hope to families in your community affected by muscle disease, Shamrocks are the center of attention at many cash registers.

The nation’s largest, longest-running and most successful Saint Patrick’s Day fundraising campaign continues to grow and provide for vital resources through the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s research and services programs. Shamrocks can be purchased through the end of March.

“The MDA Shamrock point of purchase program has been warmly embraced by retailers and their customers for many years, raising needed funds to support our lifesaving mission and programs in research and health care services,” said MDA President and CEO Steven M. Derks.

“Customers can feel great knowing that by purchasing Shamrocks, they’re supporting research, health care services, education and advocacy that directly impact the health and well-being of children, adults and families facing one of the more than 40 neuromuscular diseases, including muscular dystrophy and ALS,” Derks added. “And, retailers that support MDA through Shamrock sales can feel great satisfaction in knowing that by using their business and sales platforms they are allowing citizens and customers to support MDA and give back to their local communities.”

Anyone can lend support by donating $1 for a green, $5 for a gold, or more for a platinum Shamrock. The Shamrocks campaign turns even more significant when donors sign their name to a Shamrock which then is displayed in the store as a decoration and a symbol of pride. The thousands of creative displays in retail locations nationwide are each an impressive show of community support for MDA’s mission.

With more than 15,000 participating retail locations throughout the U.S., it is easy for customers to make a difference for families living in their area who are dealing with the daily challenges of living with a muscle disease. A Shamrock purchase helps to provide for MDA clinics, where individuals are seen by experts in the neuromuscular disease field, hundreds of support groups and local summer camps for kids ages 6 to 17. Additionally, it fosters hope through MDA’s worldwide research program.

Some of the retailers and restaurants helping with partnership and support include: Applebee’s, Burger King, CITGO Petroleum Corporation, Lowe’s Home Improvement.

The Association’s Shamrocks program started in 1982 in Grand Rapids, Mich., and was elevated to a national program a year later. Every year the program has received record results with more than $20 million raised in each of the last two years. In 2012, $23 million was raised.

“Our Shamrocks program is an extraordinary example of how a simple campaign can make an impact on many people’s lives,” said MDA Executive Vice President and Chief Business Development Officer Kevin Moran. “$1 and $5 Shamrocks sold across the country add up to millions, making it possible for MDA to provide families fighting muscle disease with help for today and hope for tomorrow.”