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March of Dimes Joins with KMart in "Sneaking Up" on Prematurity
WHITE PLAINS, MARCH 7, 2001 – Every year, 450,000 babies are born prematurely and must struggle to survive, yet the reasons for preterm birth are still not known. Recognizing the urgency of the need to find the causes, the March of Dimes has made prematurity the focus of its WalkAmerica 2001, the annual national fundraising event that will take place the last weekend of April.
But Kmart is not waiting until WalkAmerica weekend to rally to the cause. Today the retailer announced the launch of its 2001 national paper sneaker promotion, which last year contributed to the record-setting $5.4 million Kmart raised to help the March of Dimes in its mission to fight infant mortality and birth defects. The blue, white, red and paper shoes, symbolic of the real ones thousands of people lace up for WalkAmerica, are available for a one dollar donation in Kmart stores throughout the country.
"Prematurity prevention is a special focus for WalkAmerica this year and the paper sneakers present a great opportunity for everyone in their communities to get involved, " said lifestyle designer Kathy Ireland, the national honorary chairperson for WalkAmerica 2001. "No one knows why preterm birth happens, but no one is working harder than the March of Dimes to find out."
In addition to the paper sneaker program, Kmart associates, friends and family members will participate in WalkAmerica in teams throughout the country in April. Kmart has been the number one national WalkAmerica team for sixteen consecutive years, raising more than $30 million for the March of Dimes.
Kmart Corporation is a near-$40 billion company that serves America with more than 2,100 Kmart and Kmart supercenter retail outlets. In addition to serving all 50 states, Kmart operations extend to the Caribbean Islands and Asia Pacific. More information about Kmart is available on the World Wide Web at www.bluelight.com under the "About Kmart" section.
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