MDA Launches St. Patrick’s Day Campaign at Lowe’s

The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) and Lowe’s stores are joining efforts to launch the MDA’s Shamrock program, the largest St. Patrick’s Day philanthropic event dedicated to help patients who live with the disabling muscle disease Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The FORTUNE 100 home improvement company has once again engaged in a campaign with the association to support their activities on March 30.

During St. Patrick’s Day, customers at Lowe’s stores will be able to add a $1 or $5 paper shamrock to their purchase, or make a higher donation at checkout to participate in the MDA’s Shamrock program. The company aims not only to support the association, but also to give their customers and employees the opportunity to do so and help advance progress for children and adults who suffer from muscular dystrophy.

“As a company dedicated to helping improve our local communities, Lowe’s is excited to team with customers to support the 2015 Shamrock program,” said Lowe’s director of community relations, Joan Higginbotham, in a press release. “Our employees take pride in filling the walls of our stores with purchased shamrocks and knowing those shamrocks will help send thousands of children to MDA summer camps.”

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“The MDA Shamrock program is a simple yet impactful way for people to contribute critical dollars to help MDA families maintain their independence, face the challenges that living with muscle disease brings and live the best possible lives,” added MDA executive vice president and chief development officer Ann McNamara. “Thanks to the unyielding support from Lowe’s employees and customers, MDA is providing families with the best care at MDA clinics, life-changing experiences at summer camp and lifesaving research.”

Lowe’s has been supporting the MDA and the association’s activities and campaigns since 2001, and has raised over $45 million. The company also created the Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation, which has granted approximately $200 million to various charities since 2007, while the Lowe’s Heroes employee volunteers program is dedicated to donating time to improve communities. More information about the MDA’s Shamrock program is also available on the website of the campaign here.

The MDA is dedicated to improving the lives of patients who suffer not only from muscular dystrophy, but also amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other neuromuscular diseases, through providing financial support to research working to find treatments and cures. The association also recently released a report on the latest findings and developments on treatments for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, as well as the programs supported by them.