EL SEGUNDO, Calif., August 30, 2022 — The American Red Cross recognizes and thanks Big 5 Sporting Goods, headquartered in El Segundo, California, for supporting Red Cross Disaster Relief through its financial pledge to the Disaster Responder Program for the second year in a row. In advance of wildfires, storms and countless other crises, this proactive donation will help the Red Cross meet the needs of people affected by disasters big and small, anytime and anywhere across the U.S.
In September during National Preparedness Month, Big 5 Sporting Goods will also hold a fundraising campaign at all of its stores for customers to donate to Red Cross Disaster Relief at checkout.
Join Big 5 Sporting Goods today in providing comfort and care to those affected by disasters by making a gift to Red Cross Disaster Relief. Donations to Disaster Relief enable the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small.
HOW DISASTER PROGRAM MEMBERS HELP: Disaster Responder Program members pledge financial and in-kind donations in advance of disasters, powering the Red Cross with strong infrastructure, trained volunteers, innovative technology and critical resources necessary to provide relief and support to those in crisis. These donations keep the Red Cross ready to respond to disasters at a moment’s notice — offering a safe place to sleep, a hot meal, emotional support and resources to aid in recovery — while also helping prepare people and communities for disasters yet to come.
Donations to Red Cross Disaster Relief are critical as disasters occur more often and leave behind devastation. Over the last two years, on average, the Red Cross has responded to a new, major disaster every 10 days across the country — with our volunteers continuously on the ground, setting up shelters, arranging for hot meals and offering comfort for people forced from their homes.
“Disaster Responder Program members like Big 5 Sporting Goods are truly extraordinary because they understand the importance of having vital resources in place before a disaster strikes,” said Anne McKeough, chief development officer at the American Red Cross. “We are extremely grateful for these forward-thinking donors who ensure we stand ready to help people in their darkest hours, whenever and wherever we’re needed most.”
“Big 5 appreciates the opportunity bestowed by the American Red Cross to renew its commitment as a member of the Disaster Responder Program”, stated Rick Gridley, public affairs director at Big 5 Sporting Goods. “Reasserting our pledge to support the proven, successful disaster relief efforts of the Red Cross, will help to ensure their mission to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies will continue uninterrupted.”
In addition, donations from Disaster Responder Program members support basic needs for families affected by home fires — which represent most of the more than 60,000 disasters that the Red Cross responds to annually across the country — while also helping to ensure Red Cross volunteers can help communities become better prepared and more resilient, educate people nationwide about disaster preparedness and give them the reassurance and confidence to face crises of all kinds.
SUPPORTING MILITARY FAMILIES AND VETERANS: Big 5 Sporting Goods is also partnering with the Red Cross to support military families and veterans. Every day, the Red Cross provides 24/7 global emergency communication services and other support in military and veteran health care facilities across the country and around the world. The Red Cross has been serving the armed forces for more than 140 years and provides nearly 550,000 services a year to members of the military, veterans and their families.
Individuals can join Big 5 Sporting Goods in its commitment by making a financial donation to Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces to help members of the military, veterans and their families prepare for, cope with and respond to the challenges of military service.
In addition, in May 2023 during Military Appreciation Month, Big 5 Sporting Goods will hold a fundraising campaign at its select stores located near active military installations for customers to donate to the Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces program.
About Big 5 Sporting Goods
Big 5 is a leading sporting goods retailer in the western United States, operating 429 stores in 11 states. Big 5 provides a full-line product offering at compelling values including athletic shoes, apparel, and accessories, as well as a broad selection of athletic equipment for team sports, fitness, camping, hunting, fishing, tennis, golf, winter and summer recreation, and roller sports.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.