Now, the Retail division is doing its part, raising funds for the American Red Cross through the sale of custom merchandise. These funds will aid in their boots-on-the-ground humanitarian relief efforts for Ukrainians who have lost so much and have limited access to the things they need most.
Through approved vendor Planet Cotton, Linda Tolleson, Director of Retail, sourced tee shirts, caps, and mugs bearing the custom logo I Stand with Ukraine. The graphic design was created by a Ukraine artist who provided three choices for consideration. The Areas leadership team took a vote and selected the I Stand with Ukraine option. Planet Cotton commissioned the artwork, plus an additional discount on the merchandise to allow a larger donation amount from the sale of each item.
The merchandise and “A Purchase with a Purpose” signage which includes a message from CEO Carlos Bernal, went into 13 airport and toll road locations on May 11th. The program will run for 60 days and is scheduled to end July 11th, taking advantage of the busy Memorial Day and July 4th holiday weekends and the start of summer holiday season for exposure to the maximum number of travelers.
A donation of $15 from every specially marked t-shirt; $12 from every specially marked ballcap, and $6 from every specially marked coffee mug will go to support humanitarian relief in response to the Ukraine crisis.
Areas is one of only two airport concessionaires to implement a program of this nature in support of Ukraine, and the only concessionaire to do so at Atlanta’s busy Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. Linda Tolleson, director of retail, launched the program and says it has been well received by customers and landlords alike and is on track to reach the $20,000 goal.
“I am proud to work with a company that has a program like Areas Cares. Areas doesn’t just say it cares. This is a company that truly demonstrates a commitment to giving back,” says Tolleson.