The Kroger “Kids Come First” campaign runs now through June 22, 2013. Customers at all central Ohio and Ohio Valley Kroger grocery check-outs will have the opportunity to purchase a paper bear for $1 (or donate more) with every dollar raised benefitting Nationwide Children’s Hospital.
In partnership with the Memorial Tournament presented by Nationwide Insurance, at participating local Kroger stores, customers may also purchase “Bunker,” the 2013 limited edition plush bear, for $10. Customers may either take home or donate Bunker to a patient at Nationwide Children’s. Proceeds from the sale of the plush bears will also benefit the hospital.
Kroger’s Kids Come First campaign not only supports Nationwide Children’s, but also focuses on childhood safety awareness. As part of the campaign, summer safety tip flyers for parents are available, and kids 12 and under may participate in a coloring contest for the opportunity to win prizes.
In 2012, through the Kids Come First campaign and other fundraising events, Kroger customers donated more than $400,000 for Nationwide Children’s.
Kroger has been a long-time supporter and community partner of Nationwide Children’s. In October 2012, a family lounge located in the Cardiothoracic Intensive Care Unit at Nationwide Children’s was dedicated and named in honor of Kroger to recognize the grocer’s continued support of the hospital. The family lounge provides patient families respite and comfort during stressful times as their children recover from cardiothoracic surgery in nearby patient rooms.