7-Eleven Increases Support

DALLAS -- Through the support of its customers, employees, franchisees and licensees, 7-Eleven Inc has raised $3 million in support of the American Red Cross Liberty Fund, which was established to provide assistance to all those impacted by the Sept. 11 attacks on America.

Cash donations and spare change placed in canisters by customers at 7-Eleven stores in the United States immediately after Sept. 11, total more than $1.5 million. In addition, Ito-Yokado Group of Tokyo, Japan, the majority-interest owner of 7-Eleven, donated nearly $500,000 raised through a canister campaign at its Ito-Yokado superstores and Seven-Eleven Japan convenience stores. 7-Eleven's Canadian stores raised $53,675 through its canister program benefiting the Red Cross

7-Eleven, operator of more than 5,700 convenience stores in North America, contributed an additional $1 million in support and promotional activities to assist Red Cross relief efforts tied to the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

"The response from 7-Eleven's global family and its customers to this unprecedented tragedy is tremendous," said Jim Keyes, president and CEO of 7-Eleven. "Our Franchisees, many of which operate stores within the metropolitan areas effected by the terrorist attacks, were particularly supportive of this campaign. Thanks to their commitment to the fundraising program and the generosity of their customers, 7-Eleven Franchisees raised a significant percentage of the funds."

Immediately following the terrorist attacks, 7-Eleven created its "Ribbons for America" campaign, a nationwide public awareness and fund-raising program benefiting the Red Cross. 7-Eleven gave away millions of red, white and blue ribbons to celebrate the American spirit and thank customers for their donations.

The canister fundraiser, a key component of the campaign, invited customers to contribute at 7-Eleven stores, designated by the Red Cross as official donation sites. Signs at the stores also encouraged customers to give blood and advertised a toll-free phone number to call to find nearby blood donation sites.

"The Ribbons for America campaign was an important program to be a part of," said Tariq Khan, national chairman of the National Coalition of Associations of 7-Eleven Franchisees. "7-Eleven's quick response and excellent campaign materials enabled Franchisees to immediately promote American pride and help victims of the terrorist attacks by making personal contributions and encouraging customers to donate to the Red Cross."