Western Refining Launch Campaign to Help MDA Summer Camp

A chain of convenience stores has joined forces with the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) to help improve the quality of life of pediatric patients suffering from muscular dystrophy. Over 260 Western Refining convenience stores have joined the campaign to raise funding to allow more children to participate in the MDA Summer Camp mobile program.

Until June 8th, stores such as Giant, Mustang, Sun Dial, and Howdy’s among many others throughout Arizona, southwest Colorado, New Mexico and southwest Texas will offer pin-up mobiles for $1 or $5, giving their customers the opportunity to support the participation of local children who live and struggle with neuromuscular conditions in a weeklong activity.

“The MDA summer camp mobile program is a simple way for Western Refining employees and customers to make a real difference in the lives of people affected by muscle disease right here in our local communities,” explained R.C. Sprouse, the Western Refining vice president of retail, in a press release. “We are proud to know that each mobile sold will help fuel the fight against these devastating diseases and help give kids a chance to experience the  independence of being away from home in an environment where barriers don’t exist at MDA summer camp.”

It is the fourth year that Western Refining has supported the MDA to raise funding for the summer camp through the mobile program. Last year, the stores raised over $379,053 and over the past three years, the funding has reached near $1 million. This year, the goal established is $425,000, to be used both in the MDA Summer Camp and to help advance research projects able to improve the quality of life of muscular dystrophy patients, including their ability to walk, run, hug, talk and even breathe.

During the campaign, the stores will have displayed the purchased mobiles on their ceilings and walls in order to show their support for the cause. In addition, customers who purchase a $5 mobile receive a coupon for a free 20-ounce Pepsi product, which is a way of thanking them for their charitable contribution to MDA families.

“MDA summer camp is often considered ‘the best week of the year’ for our kids, and it wouldn’t be possible without support from partners like Western Refining and its generous customers and employees,” stated MDA executive Traci McMillan. “It is with their help that we are able to support the families we serve and provide some amazing kids with life-changing camp experiences where they can build self-confidence and develop independence, and carry those skills and experiences into adulthood.”

The Real estate franchiser ERA has also launched the ERA MDA Summer Camp Challenge, a campaign in collaboration with the MDA to gather support from brokers and agents to help 1,000 children who suffer from muscular dystrophy. For the third year, the president and CEO of ERA Real Estate announced the challenge at the brand’s 2015 International Business Conference (IBC), asking for the support of the 2,000 attendees of the event.