Tops Friendly Markets is partnering with Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF), a global type 1 diabetes research and advocacy organization, to raise money to fund research to help find a cure for T1D. This year’s campaign runs through March 22.
T1D is an autoimmune disease that causes the pancreas to make very little insulin or none at all, leading to dependence on insulin therapy and the risk of short and long-term complications.
It was once viewed as a condition that could only be diagnosed in childhood, but now it is known that T1D can develop at any age, with half of all T1D diagnoses in adults.
The paper sneaker, which was designed by a Tops associate in 1993 and is now widely used nationally as well as internationally in fundraising campaigns, will be sold at Tops registers for a $1 donation.
Supporting this year’s campaign is Buffalo Bills’ long snapper, Reid Ferguson, who will be on this year’s sneaker. Ferguson is passionate about this cause as his younger brother Blake, who is also a long snapper, but for Miami, has T1D.
Since 1993, Tops has raised more than $15 million for the cause, with Tops fund-raising efforts putting the company in the top fundraisers across national corporate partners.
“For over three decades, we’ve worked closely with our partners at Breakthrough T1D and have seen firsthand the critical role they play in nearly every major advancement in diabetes research,” said Ron Ferri, president of Tops Friendly Markets.
“Whether it’s drug development, medical devices, cell therapy or innovations like artificial pancreas systems, Breakthrough T1D remains the leading nonprofit dedicated to finding cures for Type 1 Diabetes and improving the lives of those affected today.
“Breakthrough T1D is grateful to Tops Friendly Markets for their ongoing partnership and leadership that continues to raise awareness of type 1 diabetes and critical funds to help find cures for the disease,” said Brett Collins, Breakthrough T1D VP of corporate and institutional giving.
“This campaign is an incredible example of the collective impact that can be achieved one dollar at a time. Tops’ longstanding commitment to community giving is key to helping Breakthrough T1D accelerate breakthroughs that will make our mission possible.”
[RELATED: Tops Reimagines In-Store Experience Through Remodels, Upgrades]
About Tops Friendly Markets
Headquartered in Williamsville, New York, Tops Markets operates a network of 152 grocery stores spanning New York, Pennsylvania and Vermont, including one franchise location. It is one of Western New York’s largest employers, with more than 14,000 employees across its footprint.