ASAE salutes NACDS, NACDS Foundation for Haiti relief efforts

ALEXANDRIA, Va. An association representing the drug retailing industry and its charitable arm were recognized for their relief efforts to benefit earthquake victims in Haiti.

The National Association of Chain Drug Stores and NACDS Foundation were placed on the American Society of Association Executives' Honor Roll program, which salutes association initiatives that are excellent examples of how such organizations are social and economic drivers, the ASAE said. NACDS' and the NACDS Foundation's efforts were among 34 programs recognized with this distinction for the most recent round of recognition in 2010.

NACDS developed a Web page on its Web site to describe the work of NACDS members in relief efforts, for the purpose of demonstrating opportunities for companies to engage in this cause. NACDS also helped to coordinate the contribution of supplies from NACDS members to Hopital Albert Schweitzer in Haiti, and coordinated financial and supply donations from NACDS staff members to assist in various relief activities. Meanwhile, the NACDS Foundation made a donation to organizations affiliated with Haiti relief efforts, contributing $150,000 to help the people of Haiti – $50,000 each to Doctors Without Borders, AmeriCares and Convoy of Hope.

“When we featured Haiti relief during the NACDS Annual Meeting, we did so to make the case that the needs of the Haitian people are overwhelming and ongoing, even though they have dropped from the daily news coverage,” said NACDS president and CEO Steve Anderson. “While we appreciate this designation from ASAE, its greatest value lies in the chance that it may help to maintain awareness of the need for a sustained commitment to help Haiti.”