Fred Meyer Helps Make “Call to the Heart” a Win for Idaho Kids

Fred Meyer Helps Make “Call to the Heart” a Win for Idaho Kids

In May, Fred Meyer in Boise graciously donated gift cards for us to use as a matching opportunity for the “Call to the Heart” portion of our Wine, Women & Shoes fundraiser. For every donation our WWS guests made at the $50 level, the Fred Meyer (Franklin Store) donated a $50 gift card for Idaho Youth Ranch clients to use. The store provided $2,500 worth of gift cards as well as 440 long-stemmed white roses--one for each Wine, Women & Shoes guest to take home.

Julia Camacho, the Store Director at Fred Meyer Franklin at 5230 W. Franklin Road, went out of her way to make sure the gift cards and the roses got where they needed to be, when they needed to be there. Her team obligingly gathered for a group photo when we picked up the cards, happy to be part of supporting promising futures for our community’s at-risk kids and families.

Not only did Fred Meyer help IYR raise a lot of money to directly support our programs, they also provided individual kids and their families with much-appreciated cash for living expenses, groceries, and transportation. Here are just a few examples of how those gift cards made a difference:

Charlie's family recently uprooted themselves from their home and long-standing residence in the community of Weiser to make a fresh start in Caldwell.  The reason they moved was to give Charlie an opportunity to remove himself from his former peers and negative relationships in Weiser.  In doing the right thing and moving forward with the transition to Caldwell, the family had to maximize all of their savings and cash on hand for moving expenses. They will be making good use of the Fred Meyer gift cards to help replenish their groceries and household supplies as they get settle in their new home.

Sam has recently come to terms with the fact that navigating the real world as an adult is much different than as a juvenile.  Having continued to work towards self-independence and stability while maintaining his sobriety, Sam has been struggling with financially insecurity. He is determined to make it on his without having to ask for help, and he recently started a full-time job. The Fred Meyer gift card will help Sam bridge the gap until he gets his first paycheck, allowing him to buy healthy groceries and much-needed household goods like laundry detergent and toiletries.

Other ways IYR kids and their families have been able to use the cards:

• Gas to get a recent IYR graduate to work 
• Clothes for a job interview
• $50 for household essentials a family had been unable to afford
•  Living expenses for a family who had spent all they had getting into a subsidized apartment 

Here's How YOU Can Help Fred Meyer Help IYR

Do you have a Fred Meyer Rewards Card? If so, you are just one step away from helping Idaho’s at-risk kids and families every time you shop at any Fred Meyer location.

The process is simple: just sign up for the Community Rewards program by linking your Fred Meyer Rewards card with the Idaho Youth Ranch. Visit the Community Rewards page and click “Link your Rewards Card Now.” Once logged in, either search for “Idaho Youth Ranch” or use our non-profit number 87355.

Then, all you have to do is shop! The program does not affect your rewards, but every time you shop it adds up to points for Idaho Youth Ranch. The more total points, the bigger the donation the Idaho Youth Ranch receives from Fred Meyer.

Fred Meyer donates $2.5 million to non-profits in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington every year, letting their customers in each community choose where to direct those donations.

For more information about the program, download this flyer or visit the Fred Meyer Community Rewards program page.