FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PCC donates $5,000 to Cooperative Development Foundation
Funds to support Hurricane Katrina Relief Efforts
Seattle, Wash., September 22, 2005 — PCC Natural Markets (PCC) has announced a donation of $5,000 to the "Katrina Cooperative Recovery Fund," established by the Cooperative Development Foundation (CDF) in support of the organization's efforts to aid survivors of Hurricane Katrina.
For over fifty years the CDF has focused on opportunities where cooperatives can effectively address the economic problems of rural communities. The severity and long-term implications of the destruction Katrina caused in many rural cooperatives in operation in the three-state area of Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama resulted in the CDF creating their own recovery fund.
"PCC's success is based largely upon its cooperative roots and the strong belief held by our board, members, management and staff that cooperatives are uniquely capable of bringing about effective, long-lasting social and economic change within communities of any size or location," said Tracy Wolpert, CEO. "We're happy to contribute to the CDF's efforts to help cooperatives hit so hard and unexpectedly by Hurricane Katrina."
Upon learning of PCC's contribution, CDF Executive Director Liz Bailey said, "The response of the cooperative community has really been inspiring. It's about co-ops helping co-ops, but it's also about basic human compassion. Thanks for all you and your members and customers are doing to help!"
About PCC Natural Markets: Headquartered in Seattle, WA, PCC Natural Markets is a certified organic retailer, with annual sales of $89 million and an active membership of nearly 40,000. PCC operates seven locations in the Fremont, View Ridge, Greenlake, West Seattle, Seward Park, Kirkland and Issaquah neighborhoods.
About Cooperative Development Foundation: The mission of the Washington D.C.-based, nonprofit CDF is "to promote self-help and mutual aid in community, economic, and social development through cooperative enterprise." www.cdf.coop