Tops exceeds goal for Type 1 diabetes campaign

Submitted by Tops Friendly Markets

Tops Friendly Markets announced it has exceeded its campaign goal and raised $333,629 for Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF). This year, the campaign began Sunday, March 2, and concluded Saturday, March 22. The dollars donated by our generous customers and associates help to fund research to help find a cure for T1D, the leading global type 1 diabetes research and advocacy organization.

T1D is an autoimmune disease that causes the pancreas to make very little insulin, or none at all, leading to dependence on insulin therapy and the risk of short and long-term complications. It was once viewed as a condition that could only be diagnosed in childhood, but now it is known that T1D can develop at any age, with half of all T1D diagnoses in adults.

The paper sneaker, which was designed by a Tops associate back in 1993 and is now widely used internationally in fundraising campaigns, was sold at Tops registers for a $1 donation.

Supporting this year’s campaign was Buffalo’s hometown team long-snapper Reid Ferguson, who was on this year’s sneaker and was instrumental in the campaign’s success. Reid is passionate about this cause as his younger brother, Blake – who is also a long snapper, but for Miami – has T1D. 

Since 1993, Tops has raised over $15 million for the cause, with fundraising efforts elevating the company to national partner status as of this year.

"We’re incredibly proud to have exceeded our fundraising goal for this year’s Type 1 diabetes campaign," said Ron Ferri, president of Tops Friendly Markets. "Supporting this important cause for over 30 years has been an honor, and it’s inspiring to see the continued generosity and commitment of our community in helping to make a difference in the lives of those affected by Type 1 diabetes."

“Breakthrough T1D is grateful to Tops Friendly Markets for their ongoing partnership and leadership that continues to raise awareness of type 1 diabetes and critical funds to help find cures for the disease,” said Brett Collins, Breakthrough T1D vice president of corporate and institutional giving. “This campaign is an incredible example of the collective impact that can be achieved $1 at a time. Tops’ longstanding commitment to community giving is key to helping Breakthrough T1D accelerate breakthroughs that will make our mission possible.”

Headquartered in Williamsville, Tops Markets operates a robust network of 152 grocery stores spanning New York, Pennsylvania and Vermont, including one franchise location in Lewiston. Discover more at www.topsmarkets.com.