PORTSMOUTH, NH (June 15, 2004) — Motorists fueled by the enthusiasm of Special Olympics athletes cruised into Irving Mainway locations recently, eager to take part in the Law Enforcement Torch Run To Serve & Protect campaign to benefit Special Olympics.

 

Irving Oil committed five cents to the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) for every gallon of gasoline purchased at 93 Mainway and Big Stop locations in Maine , New Hampshire and Vermont on June 5 and 6. Irving Oil, in partnership with law enforcement, raised $187,000 including customer donations and May cling sales to benefit Special Olympics organizations in three states.

 

“Our Mainways were bustling with enthusiastic drivers who joined our Company in supporting the achievements of Special Olympics athletes with financial support, awareness building, and encouragement throughout the 2004 games,” says Harry Hadiaris, Irving Oil’s director of convenience retail. “We'd like to say a big thank-you to our employees, our customers and volunteers whose enthusiasm made it possible for us to support Special Olympics athletes.”

 

Law enforcement officers, Special Olympics athletes, coaches and Irving employees pumped gasoline, washed windshields and greeted drivers throughout the day on Saturday, June 5. Drivers offered donations to their local police officers and athletes while their gasoline was pumped and windshields washed.

 

“One of the highlights of this annual event is that it allows law enforcement officers, Special Olympics athletes and coaches, and Irving Oil employees to build partnerships within our communities,” says Hadiaris. “It’s a great opportunity for us to get to know our customers while supporting Special Olympics.”

 

In May, Irving Mainway locations in New England offered static clings featuring the To Serve & Protect logo for $1. All proceeds will benefit the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics. Last year, through the generosity of customers, Irving Oil and Law Enforcement raised $140,000 for Special Olympics.

 

 “We are very happy to once again have had the opportunity to work with the folks at Irving Oil with the To Serve & Protect project,” says Mike Quinn, president of Special Olympics New Hampshire. “The cooperation and enthusiasm of the employees at each of the Irving Mainway locations was fantastic. Seeing a business in so many communities working together with local law enforcement agencies to help Special Olympics was refreshing and very successful.”

 

Irving Oil initially teamed up with New Hampshire Law Enforcement in support of Special Olympics athletes in the Granite State in 1998 to raise $2,700. The 2003 program marked the first year Irving expanded its To Serve & Protect sponsorship to include Maine and Vermont communities.

 

“New Hampshire Law Enforcement officials are excited to participate with Special Olympics and Irving Oil in its sixth year of the To Serve & Protect campaign,” says Laconia Police Sgt Gary Hubbard, coordinator of Special Olympics NH To Serve & Protect campaign. “Each year we look forward to a bigger and better event. It’s great to be part of an organization that is ultimately responsible for improving the quality of life for Special Olympics athletes.”campaign. “Each year we look forward to a bigger and better event. It’s great to be part of an organization that is ultimately responsible for improving the quality of life for Special Olympics athletes.”

 

Founded in 1924, Irving is the regional energy processing, transporting and marketing company focused on customer service and supply chain management. Irving has been serving customers in New England since opening its first site in Bangor, Maine in 1972. Irving Mainway convenience stores feature fuel, convenience shopping and a variety of fresh food choices including sandwiches, baked goods and pizza. Irving’s marketing office is located in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. In 2003, Irving became the first oil company to win a USEPA Clean Air Excellence award, which it won for its low sulfur gasoline.

Founded by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, Special Olympics offers year-round athletic training and competition for children and adults with mental challenges. The first Special Olympics Games took place in 1968 at Soldiers Field in Chicago. There are now more than one million athletes involved in Special Olympics, and over 500,000 volunteers. Special Olympics takes place in over 160 countries and offers 27 Olympic style sports. In addition to competing, the athletes are given opportunities to serve as coaches, officials, ambassadors, staff members, and also serve on the Special Olympics Board of Directors. Special Olympics provides training for life, helping athletes to build their strength, develop skills, gain confidence, and improve self-esteem. It is a spectator as well as a participator event that changes lives and helps communities.

 

Rob Wilson

Irving Oil, Public Affairs