Vitamin Angels, Walgreens reach goal to help 100 million children and mothers

DEERFIELD, Ill. – Just over two years into its collaboration with the charity, Vitamin Angels, Walgreens has reached its goal of helping to provide 100 million children and mothers with essential vitamins and supplements they need to help prevent blindness and other serious conditions in undernourished children around the world.  The company announced the milestone more than a year ahead of its original goal to achieve it by the end of 2017.     

 

“We’re extremely proud of our Walgreens employees and customers’ support of and participation in the Vitamin Angels program as together we are making a difference, helping impact lives around the world,” stated Robert Tompkins, Walgreens group VP and general merchandise manager, health and wellness. “It’s great to see how we’ve helped millions of people in need through this program, which also supports our efforts to improve population health, particularly within underserved communities.”



Since June 2014, through its commitment to Vitamin Angels, Walgreens has donated 1% of retail sales from vitamin and supplement purchases. As of the end of September 2016, Walgreens has helped raise more than $25 million for the charity, which is providing the vitamins to at-risk populations in nearly 50 countries, including the U.S. Walgreens collaboration with Vitamin Angels will continue to provide more life-changing vitamins to children and mothers in need.    



Last year, select Walgreens team members joined Vitamin Angels on several trips to experience and observe the distribution of essential vitamins.



“These field trip experiences gave us an opportunity to see first-hand the impact our support is making as well as the continued need for vitamins both here in the U.S. and around the world,” added Tompkins.



“Walgreens has shown us the heart of a great organization and what is possible when good people come together in a concerted effort to change things!” said Howard Schiffer, Vitamin Angels’ president. “When Walgreens says 'Buy vitamins here, Change lives everywhere,' they could not be more accurate. Walgreens has given millions of children and moms a chance for a better life and a brighter future!”