Lowe’s Raises $7.5M for the Muscular Dystrophy Association Through Sale of Shamrocks at 25,000 Stores

Lowe’s, a nationwide home improvement company, announced it has raised over $7.5 million across its more than 25,000 U.S. retail stores for the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s (MDA) Shamrocks program. Lowe’s is MDA’s largest Shamrocks retailer and has been involved with the program for 15 years, donating more than $57 million to support the MDA and people with muscular dystrophy.

“This year Lowe’s employees rallied together to raise significant funds that will help MDA provide its families with the critical resources they need to live longer and grow stronger,” James Frison, Lowe’s director of community relations, said in a news release. “We are honored to help give thousands of kids with muscle-debilitating diseases a life-changing, barrier-free experience by supporting and volunteering at MDA Summer Camps.”

Lowe’s customers were encouraged to join a St. Patrick’s Day fundraising program by adding paper shamrocks, benefiting the MDA, to their purchases at check-out for $1, $5 or more. The shamrocks were then displayed at the stores. Retailers helped, in this way, to raise funds for the development of breakthrough medicines and the support of patients and families affected by neuromuscular diseases.

“MDA is grateful to boast 15 years and over $57 million in support from a company like Lowe’s that goes above and beyond to bring strength, independence and life to the individuals we serve through summer camp and all of MDA’s services,” said Ann McNamara, MDA executive vice president and chief development officer. “It is thanks to Lowe’s employees and customers who support the Shamrocks program each year that MDA is able to provide families affected by muscle-debilitating diseases with the care they need today, while helping to make tomorrow free from the diseases themselves.”

According to a recent study published in Neuro-Epidemiology, muscular dystrophy, a group of more than 30 genetic diseases, has a prevalence of 19.8–25.1 per 100,000 person-years, with Myotonic dystrophy, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy accounting for the most common types among this group of disorders.