Foundation investing $2 million to advocate for
meaningful progress and sustainable change in U.S. communities
As America grapples once again with profound issues regarding
race, justice and the treatment of people of color in the wake of
tragic events in recent weeks, The Rite Foundation commits to
combat racism and foster more diverse, inclusive and equitable
opportunities in communities by launching a Racial Equity Awareness
and Action Initiative that seeks to drive meaningful progress and
sustainable change at this critical juncture.
The initiative will invest in organizations, networks and
programs that spark renewed dialogue, courage and action across
many voices, stakeholders, sectors and communities. The Rite Aid
Foundation will provide initial funding to two organizations,
EmbraceRace and United Way, each with a mission, focus and reach
that can accelerate progress in key areas, through grants of $1
million to both organizations.
“Racism, injustice and intolerance have no home in the Rite Aid
organization or in our communities,” said Heyward Donigan,
President and CEO of Rite Aid. “We are committed to reflecting the
diversity of the communities we serve. While this is a profoundly
sad, difficult and important moment in our country, we also believe
hope and progress is possible – one voice, one person, one family
and one community at a time. Rite Aid can and will play an
important role in the healing process through our support and
involvement, and this initiative is the first step toward that
goal.”
Throughout this journey, Rite Aid and The Rite Aid Foundation
commit to be involved in the response; partner with and learn from
leading organizations and voices; create or support forums for
real, honest and critical dialogue; bring compassion, understanding
and empathy, plus civility and humanity to the process; advance the
conversation and galvanize action; and prepare for a new tomorrow.
The company and foundation will do so with purpose, resolve and
urgency in collaboration with other companies, civic institutions,
community leaders and nonprofit organizations such as EmbraceRace
and United Way.
EmbraceRace supports a diverse and fast-growing community of
parents and other caring adults striving to raise a generation of
children who are thoughtful, informed and brave about race. Its
work reflects the conviction that the struggle to create systems of
authentic racial inclusion and belonging in the United States must
begin in our homes, schools and communities.
With a National Advisory Team focused on civil rights and social
justice, EmbraceRace provides parents, grandparents, teachers and
other caring adults the strategies and resources they need to
develop affirmative, race-conscious practices that nurture children
with the tools and sensibilities to help end our racial divide,
rather than reinforce it.
“The work of realizing the true promise of multiracial democracy
in the United States, where everyone feels they belong and where
real opportunity exists for all, must start at the youngest ages
with our children,” said Andrew Grant-Thomas, co-founder of
EmbraceRace. “Children begin to develop their racial sensibilities
at birth, with continued critical development during the early
childhood and elementary school years. Our goal is to scale the
strategies, resources and partnerships that enable our families and
our nation to raise a generation of children who are thoughtful,
informed and brave about race.”
United Way advances the common good in communities around the
world and works closely with business, government, the nonprofit
field and faith-based community to address societal issues and
drive community change. Its far-reaching presence in urban,
suburban and rural locations in the U.S., coupled with its ability
to serve as a convener and catalyst for change, along with its
civic engagement platform for individuals to give, advocate and
volunteer, provides breadth, depth and expertise to the
initiative.
By bringing together diverse stakeholders, United Way has a
history of spearheading both process and progress that generates
change. United Way recently released its Equity Framework to
advance equity through data, community mobilization and engagement;
communications and awareness building; fundraising, resource
allocation and grant making; policy and advocacy; and local
capacity building.
“There isn’t a more important or urgent issue than dealing with
institutional racism in America right now at this very moment,”
said Brian Gallagher, CEO of United Way Worldwide. “United Way will
work tirelessly across our network and our partners to pursue real
reform and cultural change. Our belief is that community challenges
are sustainably solved when all parties come together. Achieving
that goal requires everyone to act united.”
Rite Aid will also engage with its diverse associate family,
customers and business partners to foster change throughout the
communities it serves.
“This is just the beginning of this conversation, and we pledge
to listen more than we speak,” Donigan said. “We recognize our
important role and purpose to care for the health and well-being of
individuals and families of all ages, races, ethnicities,
religions, socioeconomic status and backgrounds. Only through open
and honest conversations with our community – everyone in our
community – can we truly drive the change necessary to eradicate
racism and ensure we all thrive together.”
About The Rite Aid Foundation
The Rite Aid Foundation is committed to creating meaningful and
lasting change for children, families and communities. With a
network of nearly 500 supported charities and signature partners,
the foundation focuses on making local, regional and national
impact in key fields.
About Rite Aid Corporation
Rite Aid Corporation is on the front lines of delivering
healthcare services and retail products to more than 1.6 million
Americans daily. Our pharmacists are uniquely positioned to engage
with customers and improve their health outcomes. We provide an
array of whole being health products and services for the entire
family through over 2,400 retail pharmacy locations across 18
states. Through EnvisionRxOptions, we provide pharmacy benefits and
services to approximately 4 million members nationwide. For more
information, www.riteaid.com.
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version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200612005344/en/
MEDIA: Andrew Staub 717-975-5713 andrew.staub@riteaid.com
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