Sendik's raises $116,150 for domestic violence survivors

From left: Sendik’s Co-Owner Margaret Harris, VOICES member Natalie Hayden, Sojourner President and CEO Carmen Pitre and Sendik’s Co-Owner Ted Balistreri.

Sendik’s Food Market, with help from its customers, employees and the community across all 17 stores raised a record-setting $116,150 donation for Sojourner, the largest donation from a corporate-sponsored, community-driven effort Sojourner has ever received.

In February, March & April, Sendik’s Food Market employees asked customers to round-up to the nearest dollar and purchase $1 purple chocolates or packs of cards exclusive to Sendik’s designed in Sojourner's Healing Arts Program by children of domestic violence survivors with all proceeds going to this donation. Other contributions were through Sendik’s Express orders and facemask sales. The end-result was $116,150 raised by customers in just three months.

“We are grateful for our amazing Sendik’s associates and generous customers who made this donation to Sojourner possible,” said Margaret Harris, family co-owner of Sendik's Food Markets. “At a time when so many people are suffering from the ongoing effects of the pandemic, we are fortunate to have an organization in Wisconsin that supports individuals and families in their greatest time of need.”

The Sendik’s support is coming at a critical time as domestic violence related deaths in Milwaukee County were up 79%, and Sojourner saw a 21% increase in the number of people staying in its emergency shelter in 2020.

“The pandemic has made life very difficult for domestic violence survivors,” said Sojourner President and CEO Carmen Pitre. “The barriers to safety are greater and many survivors are struggling to meet basic needs. This donation comes at an urgent time. As the pandemic continues, the demand for our services continues to increase. We are so grateful to Sendik’s for its commitment to our community.”

As part of its promise to support local organizations, the family owned company has raised a total of $3.7 million for local charities over the last ten years.