ALDI's Commitment to Charitable Causes Unveiled
ALDI U.S., the popular supermarket chain, has partnered with the Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) to support pediatric cancer research. This partnership, which has been in place for several years, focuses on raising awareness and funds for childhood cancer through special promotions and initiatives [2][3][4].
The collaboration began with a promise from ALDI to raise $10 million over five years for ALSF. Today, the company is one year ahead of its goal, thanks to the support of customers and employees who have participated in various fundraising activities [1].
The partnership is a tribute to Alexandra "Alex" Scott, a young cancer patient who started a lemonade stand to raise funds for cancer research. Her bravery and entrepreneurial spirit have been an inspiration to many, including Dave Rinaldo, the U.S. Chief Operating Officer of ALDI, who considers Alex and her parents, Liz and Jay Scott, tremendous ambassadors for the foundation [6].
Rinaldo has seen many partnerships during his tenure at ALDI, but none have resonated like the one with the Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation. He believes that people connect with the idea of lemonade, finding it approachable and easy to engage with [7]. This is evident in the various lemonade stands organised by both Rinaldo and many ALDI employees, along with their children [3].
One of the ways ALDI is supporting the cause is through the sale of Alex's Lemonade Stand-branded products in its stores. A notable example is the Emporium Selection Baked Lemon Ricotta dessert, a lemon-infused, sweet and tangy treat [5]. By linking indulgent, flavorful products with a social cause, ALDI not only enhances its product appeal but also contributes meaningfully to funding childhood cancer cures [1][5].
For Liz and Jay Scott, the parents of Alex, this partnership is a mission. They continue to work tirelessly every day to further the foundation's cause [8]. They started ALSF after Alex's battle with cancer, and it is now led by them [9].
The partnership between ALDI and ALSF has evolved and strengthened over the years, reflecting the shared commitment of both organisations to fight childhood cancer one cup at a time [10]. In a society where 25 million Americans have an immediate family member with cancer, this partnership serves as a beacon of hope for those affected by the disease [11].
Progressive Grocer recently spoke with Dave Rinaldo about the partnership, with Rinaldo expressing his personal connection to the cause, having lost his own father to cancer 10 years ago [1]. As ALDI approaches its $10 million fundraising target, it continues to demonstrate its commitment to giving back and supporting pediatric cancer research through targeted product campaigns and fundraising initiatives.
References: [1] Progressive Grocer. (2021, August 18). ALDI U.S. celebrates 25th anniversary with a $10 million commitment to Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation. Retrieved from https://www.progressivegrocer.com/aldi-us-celebrates-25th-anniversary-10-million-commitment-alexs-lemonade-stand-foundation
[2] PR Newswire. (2019, August 29). ALDI U.S. and Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation team up to raise funds for childhood cancer research. Retrieved from https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/aldi-us-and-alexs-lemonade-stand-foundation-team-up-to-raise-funds-for-childhood-cancer-research-300911688.html
[3] Supermarket News. (2021, August 17). ALDI U.S. on track to hit $10 million fundraising goal for Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation. Retrieved from https://www.supermarketnews.com/retail-details/aldi-us-on-track-hit-10-million-fundraising-goal-alexs-lemonade-stand-foundation
[4] Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.alexslemonade.org/
[5] Food Business News. (2021, August 18). ALDI U.S. launches Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation-branded products to support pediatric cancer research. Retrieved from https://www.foodbusinessnews.net/articles/11501-aldi-us-launches-alexs-lemonade-stand-foundation-branded-products-to-support-pediatric-cancer-research
[6] Progressive Grocer. (2019, August 29). ALDI U.S. and Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation announce partnership. Retrieved from https://www.progressivegrocer.com/aldi-us-alexs-lemonade-stand-foundation-announce-partnership
[7] Supermarket News. (2019, August 29). ALDI U.S. and Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation partner to raise funds for childhood cancer research. Retrieved from https://www.supermarketnews.com/retail-details/aldi-us-alexs-lemonade-stand-foundation-partner-raise-funds-childhood-cancer-research
[8] Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation. (n.d.). Meet the Scots. Retrieved from https://www.alexslemonade.org/about-alexs-lemonade/meet-the-scotts/
[9] Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation. (n.d.). Our story. Retrieved from https://www.alexslemonade.org/about-alexs-lemonade/our-story/
[10] Progressive Grocer. (2021, August 18). ALDI U.S. celebrates 25th anniversary with a $10 million commitment to Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation. Retrieved from https://www.progressivegrocer.com/aldi-us-celebrates-25th-anniversary-10-million-commitment-alexs-lemonade-stand-foundation
[11] American Cancer Society. (n.d.). Cancer facts & statistics. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancer-basics/lifetime-risk-of-developing-or-dying-from-cancer.html
- The collaboration between ALDI U.S. and the Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) is not only about health-and-wellness regarding medical-conditions like cancer, but it also reflects a lifestyle commitment towards sustainable-living and community support through home-and-garden activities like organizing lemonade stands.
- In addition to fundraising for childhood cancer research, the partnership between ALDI and ALSF has expanded to include product launches that promote health-and-wellness, such as the Emporium Selection Baked Lemon Ricotta dessert, adding a twist of flavor while contributing to a noble cause.
- The partnership between ALDI and ALSF not only aims to combat cancer, a prevalent medical-condition in society, but also serves as a symbol of hope for the millions of Americans impacted by this disease, emphasizing the interconnectedness of science, health-and-wellness, and lifestyle.
