125 Fans Distributed Through Fan Care In One-Day Event Hosted
By Dominion & Wal-Mart
RICHMOND, Va. – Dominion, the Virginia Department for
the Aging (VDA) and Wal-Mart Stores Inc. on Saturday, Aug. 5 distributed 125
fans to seniors in need during an on-site screening at the Sheila Lane Wal-Mart
in Richmond. The first-ever event was part of the Fan Care program that provides
one free fan to elderly Virginians who live within Dominion’s service
area and meet eligibility requirements.
“The timing of the event was critical,” said Janet
Schaefer, Director of Long Term Care-VDA. “With the recent heat wave,
we want to make sure seniors know what programs are available to help them stay
cool. This event helped us reach far more people than we thought possible.”
The
on-site screening and distribution event followed the hottest week of
the year on record with heat indices reaching the triple digits for several
days in a row.
The 125 fans distributed on Saturday represents
55 percent of the total amount distributed in the Richmond region during
the entire summer of 2005.
Fan Care is a public-private partnership.
With a grant from Dominion, local area Agencies on Aging purchase and
distribute discounted fans provided by Wal-Mart. The discount enables
more seniors to be served by the program. Wal-Mart donated an additional
200 fans to the program for Saturday’s event.
Rita Randolph, L, of Dominion and Becky
Higgins, R, of Wal-Mart, assist James Thornton with a fan he received
compliments of the Fan Care program. Fan Care is a partnership of Dominion,
Wal-Mart and the Virginia Department for the Aging and helps seniors in
need stay cool during the summer months.
“At Wal-Mart, we believe each store has
a responsibility to contribute to then needs of the communities we call home,”
said Wal-Mart communications director Mia Masten. “We were delighted to
be able to help so many seniors receive a free fan this summer and in our twelve
years participating in the Fan Care program.”
Last summer 1,447 Virginia seniors in need received
fans through the Fan Care program.
“Fan Care allows two major businesses –
Dominion and Wal-Mart – to join forces and assist our senior population
in a meaningful way,” said Eva Hardy, senior vice president-External Affairs
& Corporate Communications-Dominion.
Dominion donates $50,000 annually to the Fan Care program,
most of which goes toward the purchase of fans. A portion of those funds are
used for the purchase of air-conditioners for clients with serious health problems.
Local Area Agencies on Aging administer Fan Care by screening
applicants and distributing fans. If you know of someone who may qualify, contact
the Virginia Department for the Aging at 1-800-552-3402.
During these hottest days of summer, Dominion and Wal-Mart
urge all residents – especially older adults and young children –
to take precautions when going out in the heat and to limit outdoor activities.
To stay safe in extremely high temperatures:
Avoid strenuous outdoor activity. If you must work outside,
take frequent breaks and drink plenty of fluids. Do not wait until you are
thirsty.
Stay indoors in a cool place, especially during the afternoon
when temperatures are highest.
If you must go outdoors, wear lightweight, light-colored
clothing. Try to wear natural products such as cotton and avoid synthetics.
Be especially sensitive to pets, allowing them to stay
inside when possible and keep them hydrated with plenty of water.
About Dominion
Dominion (NYSE: D) is one of the nation's largest producers of energy, with
an energy portfolio of about 28,100 megawatts of generation. Dominion also serves
retail energy customers in nine states. For more information about Dominion,
visit the company's Web site at www.dom.com.
About Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. operates Wal-Mart Stores, Supercenters, Neighborhood Markets
and SAM'S CLUB locations in the United States. The company also operates in
Argentina, Brazil, Canada, China, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Germany, Guatemala,
Honduras, Japan, Mexico, Nicaragua, Puerto Rico, South Korea and the United
Kingdom. The company's securities are listed on the New York Stock Exchange
and NYSE Arca, formerly the Pacific Stock Exchange, under the symbol WMT. More
information about Wal-Mart can be found by visiting www.walmartfacts.com.
Online merchandise sales are available at www.walmart.com
About VDA
The Virginia Department for the Aging (VDA) is the designated State Unit on
Aging for Virginia. The Department's objective is to help Virginians find the
information and services they need to lead healthy and independent lives as
they grow older. Our mission is to foster the dignity, independence, and security
of older Virginians by promoting partnerships with families and communities.
The Department's objective is to help Virginians find the information and services
they need to lead healthy and independent lives as they grow older. Our mission
is to foster the dignity, independence, and security of older Virginians by
promoting partnerships with families and communities. Visit the VDA Web site
at www.aging.virginia.gov.
