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MDA and Circle K Unite Around New “Live Unlimited” Program to Save Lives

CHICAGO, IL, November 7, 2017 — The Muscular Dystrophy Association and Circle K have teamed up to launch their “Live Unlimited” pinup program. More than 480 Circle K stores throughout the Southeast Division, which includes North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia, are uniting to help MDA free kids and adults from the harm of muscular dystrophy, ALS and related life-threatening diseases that severely weaken muscle strength and mobility. The MDA “Live Unlimited” program runs, Nov. 1, through Dec. 6, 2017.

Participating locations invite customers to join them in the fundraising program, by adding a Live Unlimited pinup to their purchase at check-out for just a $1, $5 or $10 contribution – all benefiting MDA. Inspired by strength and courage, the “Live Unlimited” program highlights the can-do spirit of individuals and families living with neuromuscular disease who do extraordinary things every day — whether it’s graduating from college, commuting to work, or even skydiving — to show the world that the physical and societal limits that a disease like muscular dystrophy can bring will never define them. Featured on the pinups this year are MDA ambassadors Haley Frieler, Davion Bartlett, and Joe Akmakjian.

“The generous support of Circle K and their amazing employees and customers allow MDA to provide much-needed care and support for families living with neuromuscular diseases,” said Executive Vice President & Chief Revenue Officer Karen Alexander. “We are excited to add the new ‘Live Unlimited’ pinup program into Circle Ks across the Southeast, as we work together to provide our families with strength, independence and life.”

Each year, Circle K locations also participate in a Summer Camp fundraising program to help send local kids with muscular dystrophy to the “best week of the year” at MDA Summer Camps at no cost to their families. Circle K Stores and their vendors also participate in an Annual MDA Golf tournament in Charlotte for additional fundraising and support opportunities. Since first teaming up with MDA in 2009, Circle K and its customers have raised more than $4.8 million dollars to help MDA provide the families it serves with critical resources and support to fulfill life goals.

“We are thrilled to add the new Live Unlimited pinup program in Circle K stores across the Southeast to raise funds for MDA,” said Circle K Vice President of Operations Mark Ostoits. “The Circle K employees and community continue to demonstrate their kindness by supporting the pinup programs and for that we are grateful.”

Contributions from fundraising programs and efforts also helps MDA fund groundbreaking research across diseases and provide individuals with life-enhancing programs and support services, including state-of-the-art multidisciplinary care at a nationwide network of more than 150 MDA Care Centers.

About Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc.:
Couche-Tard is the leader in the Canadian convenience store industry. In the United States, it is the largest independent convenience store operator in terms of number of company-operated stores. In Europe, Couche-Tard is a leader in convenience store and road transportation fuel retail in the Scandinavian countries (Norway, Sweden and Denmark), in the Baltic States (Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania) and in Ireland with an important presence in Poland.

As of July 17, 2016, Couche-Tard’s network comprised 7,863 convenience stores throughout North America, including 6,474 stores with road transportation fuel dispensing. Its North American network consists of 15 business units, including 11 in the United States covering 41 states and four in Canada covering all 10 provinces. Approximately 80,000 people are employed throughout its network and at its service offices in North America.

In Europe, Couche-Tard operates a broad retail network across Scandinavia, Ireland, Poland, the Baltics States and Russia through 10 business units. As of July 17, 2016, Couche-Tard’s network is comprised of 2,708 stores, the majority of which offer road transportation fuel and convenience products while the others are unmanned automated fuel sites which only offer road transportation fuel. Couche-Tard also offers other products, including stationary energy, marine fuel, aviation fuel, lubricants and chemicals. Including employees at its branded franchise stores, approximately 25,000 people work in its retail network, terminals and service offices across Europe.

In addition, under licensing agreements, more than 1,500 stores are operated under the Circle K banner in 13 other countries and territories worldwide (China, Costa Rica, Egypt, Guam, Honduras, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Macau, Malaysia, Mexico, the Philippines, the United Arab Emirates and Vietnam), which brings the total network to over 12,000 stores.

About MDA:
MDA is leading the fight to free individuals — and the families who love them — from the harm of muscular dystrophy, ALS and related muscle-debilitating diseases that take away physical strength, independence and life. We use our collective strength to help kids and adults live longer and grow stronger by finding research breakthroughs across diseases; caring for individuals from day one; and empowering families with services and support in hometowns across America. Learn how you can fund cures, find care and champion the cause at mda.org.

Contact:
Roxan Triolo Olivas
National Vice President
Public Relations & Community Engagement
(520) 954-1634
rolivas@mdausa.org

Vaida Kirkilaite
Advertising & Brand Manager
Circle K - Southeast Division
(704) 583-5757
vkirkila@circlek.com
 

- MDA -