Jacksonville, Florida-based Acosta Sales & Marketing has reported that the 2014 “Believe in Heroes” campaign raised $5,765,292 in support of Wounded Warrior Project (WWP). This donation brings the cause marketing campaign’s total contributions to more than $21 million since Acosta founded the program five years ago. WWP is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to honor and empower Wounded Warriors, and Believe in Heroes rallies CPG brands, retailers and consumers to join together in support of injured service members through grocery shopping.
“Acosta’s ability to leverage the massive strength of the CPG and retail industries for this charitable effort continually enables us to make a difference in the lives of our nation’s most worthy citizens,” said Robert Hill, president and CEO of Acosta. “We are tremendously proud to have supported our injured veterans in such a significant way over the past five years, not only raising nearly $22 million but also raising national awareness to help ensure our country’s heroes are not forgotten.”
The 12-week campaign ran Sept. 7, 2014, in advance of Patriot Day, to Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2014, and featured participation from more than 30 national brands that offered shoppers high-value digital coupons promoted in two special issues of SmartSource Magazine newspaper inserts. More than 150 retailer banners also supported the campaign in-store with special signage and point-of-purchase materials, and raised funds through donations at the register and other initiatives.
“The steadfast support from Acosta, brands and retailers over the past five years has been critical in helping thousands of injured servicemen and women recover from the visible and invisible wounds of war,” said Adam Silva, chief development officer for WWP. “We send our sincerest thanks to Acosta and to all who participated in this effort to improve the quality of life for our nation’s injured veterans.”
The 2015 Believe in Heroes campaign will continue to unite brands, retailers and consumers this fall.
A multi-platform broadcast partnership, social media initiatives and in-store merchandising activities will drive awareness and engage consumers to shop to support our heroes and make a difference in the lives of wounded service members. To learn more about the WWP Believe in Heroes campaign, visit wwpbelieve.org.
