Fall is a wonderful time of year.  The leaves are turning, the air is crisp, and everyone seems refreshed from a wonderful summer.  Unfortunately, Fall is also the start of Flu Season, and this year we’re all aware that we should take some extra precautions, with the combination of seasonal flu and H1N1 in our midst.

At Wawa we have always been committed to keeping our customers and associates as safe and healthy as possible.  So this year, we’ve partnered up with the American Red Cross to help equip our customers and associates with flu prevention information.  Beginning this week, when you walk into any of our 570 stores we will have flu prevention tips readily available.
(Flu Prevention Tips.pdf)

You’ll notice small flyers in stores with:
• General information about H1N1
• Recommended prevention tips (such as stocking up on supplies and being in contact with healthcare professionals)
• Steps that we are taking to protect customers and associates

You’ll also notice that we have made hand sanitizer available for all of our customers at the check-out counters. In addition, we will be sanitizing in-store customer equipment like ATM's and Touch Screens more frequently, as well as making an extra effort to heighten awareness about flu preparedness among associates and customers.

One of Wawa’s six core values is to do things right. That’s why we’re taking these important steps to keep all of our customers and associates well during flue season. We have a long-standing commitment to quality assurance and sanitation and during flu season, so it’s our hope that these basics, along with some extra precaution, can help keep everyone well.

We believe strongly that preparation is the best medicine. Our flu prevention tips can easily be accessed at any Wawa store, or on the Red Cross' website at http://www.redcross.org/pandemicflu. So here’s to a healthy, flu-free fall. 

This year, Wawa began partnering with CBS-3 in Philadelphia to produce a weekly TV news segment called "Brotherly Love," which highlights the lives and work of individuals and organizations who help the community and those in need throughout the Philadelphia region. Those featured exemplify our city's moniker, rekindling a sense of brotherly love by leading by example throughout the community.

One of the inspirational individuals profiled was Roxanne Ward, a woman who courageously shared the story of her battle with Ovarian Cancer, along with all the people who helped in her fight against the disease. An inspiration to all who knew her, her family and friends described her as a wonderful teacher and a deeply involved community member. http://cbs3.com/brotherlylove

I was truly saddened to learn of Roxanne's passing just last month, but her extraordinary example lives on through her story and those who knew her best. Here's a touching note the producers at CBS just received from her sister.

To Dave Huddleson:

You did your first "Brotherly Love" segment on my sister Roxanne Ward.
I just wanted to let you know that our beautiful Roxanne lost her courageous battle with Ovarian Cancer this morning. Roxanne lost her husband Art very suddenly 4 weeks before she herself passed. Our entire family loved the segment you did on her battle with cancer and could never thank you enough for the attention you brought to her story. Thank you for all the good you do with this "Brotherly Love" series.

Thank You again,
Pam Creighton and the entire family of Roxanne Ward

I did not have an opportunity to know Roxanne personally, but I'm compelled by her story for many reasons, including her positive attitude, her ability to keep her spirits high in the face of tremendous adversity and her conviction to keep on fighting. I am also struck by the way that the community rallied to her side helping her with her struggle to cover expenses and offset costs.

Roxanne's story got me thinking about Wawa and the way that we support causes in our community. We've never thought about our responsibility to the community solely in terms of dollars and cents. Which causes we support is determined by our associates, and it's a decision based on real connections and an inspiration to make a difference. From participating in walks and bowl-a-thons to donating blood to hosting community events, I'm proud of the way the Wawa family supports so many causes each year and dedicates its time to serve the community.

Still, as far as we've come, events like Roxanne's passing are a reminder that we must all continue to push harder to find a cure for diseases, including cancer, and to do what we can to improve life in our communities.

The Brotherly Love series helps us draw strength and courage from inspirational individuals like Roxanne. It puts a name and a face to important causes that we as a community, must join together to support. It gives me hope and motivates me to take more action. I hope it lifts you up in the same way.

Til next time...

Author Tanya Moore once said:  "A person's world is only as big as their heart."  I am truly proud to say that at Wawa, our world is large one, filled with endless possibilities due to the caring nature of our associates and our customers.  In fact one of the reasons our customers gotta hava Wawa, is because all of our associates gotta have heart. 

It’s because of our associates’ big hearts that we are able to contribute in significant ways to the communities we serve.   One of the most meaningful ways we contribute is through our long-standing partnership with the American Red Cross.   From disaster relief store collections to volunteering to organizing vital blood donations, Wawa customers and associates have a history of reaching out to their neighbors when they are in need. 

Our commitment to the American Red Cross blood drives goes back more than two decades, and brings together many warm and giving hearts across the region.  During the past five years, more than 10,000 pints of blood have been collected at Wawa's chain wide blood drives.  As part of our commitment to providing meaningful convenience, Wawa's blood drives are open to the public.  They are staffed by Wawa volunteers, who not only give their time, but donate their blood for this important, life-saving effort. 

One leader in this area has been Harry McHugh, a 35 year Wawa veteran.  Now our “cultural ambassador,” Harry gives from the heart when it comes to the community and the Red Cross.  He has inspired the Wawa team to accomplish several great milestones, including becoming one of our Region’s largest blood donors and raising millions of dollars for victims of local and national disasters.  Harry has personally donated over 21 gallons of blood in his lifetime and currently serves as Chairman of the American Red Cross, Southeastern PA Chapter.   Just last year, he accepted the prestigious 2008 American Red Cross Humanitarian Award on behalf of Wawa.

Caring individuals with big hearts can be found in every aisle and behind every counter at Wawa.  Each year, we set a goal of raising 2,000 pints of blood at our chain-wide blood drive – and we usually exceed the goal. 

Our summer drives kick off this week and we can’t for another successful summer. From July 14th until August 31st, Wawa is hosting more than 25 blood drive sites in four of our operating states (PA, NJ, MD, and VA).  Our goal for this year is to help the American Red Cross maintain a stable blood supply by collecting 2,000 pints of blood. 

When the Red Cross comes to Wawa – one person can make a difference.  In fact at Wawa we all have a keen awareness that a single blood donation can help as many as three people!  As a leader in the convenience industry, we will keep doing our best to make it easy and convenient for you to give by offering a variety of locations and even by providing an incentive – a coupon for a free pint of 100% Wawa brand juice. 

To us, providing convenience with a cause is one of the ways we give back to the communities we serve. 

Thanks for opening your hearts!  Visit our schedule of blood drives, and sign up to save a life this summer. 

‘Till next time…