Last month, I shared one of my basic beliefs that businesses MUST support our local communities. On a related note, I believe business owners have an obligation to support causes as well. But rather than call them obligations, I refer to them as “opportunities.” For me, that shift in thinking makes all the difference – especially when a need arises.
How we do it? We implemented Russell’s Round Up. It’s our way of giving to a worthy cause by matching customer donations who “round up” at our registers. Customers are given the option to round up to the nearest dollar, or whatever amount they feel comfortable contributing. And Russell’s matches them dollar for dollar.
What cause are we supporting? One that’s near and dear to me and my family… National Pediatric Cancer Foundation (NPCF). Not only was my family impacted by childhood cancer, under the amazing work of NPCF, my niece was able to beat it. Most cancer research is kept within the walls of the institution conducting it. Not NPCF. They collaborate and publish everything. And once I learned that only 4% of all federal government cancer research funding goes to study pediatric cancer, I knew we had to help.
How can you join us? Visit any of Russell’s location in September during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and Round Up at the register. There’s no purchase necessary if you wish to make a direct donation. And Russell’s will match it, up to $10,000. I also encourage you to visit NPCF website (nationalpcf.org) and learn all the great things they’re doing to beat childhood cancer.
Bio: Scott Meister is a native Floridian and owner of all seven Russell’s boot stores. He’s also co-owner of Cornerstone Solution Group, a landscape and construction company that operates a 90-acre tree farm and nursery in Dade City. For questions and inquiries about this article, contact Russell’s at info@russells.com, call 813-600-5715, or visit russells.com.
