RICHMOND, Va. –Relief for seniors trying to beat
the summer heat came today to Central Virginia.
Dominion, Wal-Mart
and the Virginia Department for the Aging distributed about 100 fans
to seniors in need during an on-site screening at the Wal-Mart Supercenter
on Brook Road in Richmond.
The second annual 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.
"We all need to be sensitive to the needs of our seniors,"
said Eva T. Hardy, executive vice president-External Affairs & Corporate
Communications. "That’s
why Dominion and Wal-Mart are continuing to explore new ways to make sure Fan
Care benefits those in our senior population in need."
Fan Care is
a statewide public-private partnership. With a $50,000 grant from Dominion,
area Agencies on Aging purchase and distribute discounted fans provided
by Wal-Mart stores. 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.
"Wal-Mart is excited to be a part of Fan Care
and contribute to Richmond area seniors in need," said Jeff Krauss,
Market Manager for Wal-Mart Stores Inc.
"Wal-Mart believes in giving back to the unique needs
of each community we call home."
Last summer more than 1,400
Virginia seniors in need received fans through the Fan Care program.
"It
is important that seniors know what programs are available to them," said
Kathy Miller, director of Long Term Care-VDA. "The on-site screening
was a great way to reach additional seniors in the Richmond area who needed
help staying cool this summer."
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.
Every week, more than 127 million customers visit
Wal-Mart Stores, Supercenters, Neighborhood Markets, and Sam’s Club locations
across America or log on to its online store at www.walmart.com.
The company and its Foundation are committed to a philosophy of giving back
locally. Wal-Mart (NYSE: WMT) is proud to support the causes that are important
to customers and associates right in their own neighborhoods, and last year
gave more than $245 million to local communities in the United States. To
learn more, visit www.walmartfacts.com, www.walmartstores.com,
or www.walmartfoundation.org.
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 website at www.vda.virginia.gov/.
