The Western New York c-store chain to donates more than $14,000 to Buffalo City Mission.
NOCO Express has launched a Code Blue fundraising campaign at its 31 Western New York Stores to benefit the Buffalo City Mission, and to aid those in need during the cold winter months.
NOCO customers generously donated $7,148 by purchasing Code Blue paper snowflakes from Feb. 16 -28. NOCO matched that contribution for a total donation to the Buffalo City Mission of $14,296. In addition, five NOCO Express stores also served as collection points where people could donate winter coats, warmer clothing, gloves and socks.
“This was the first year we partnered with the Buffalo City Mission to raise awareness for the work they do to ensure no one in the Queen City is left outside in the cold,” said Michael Newman, NOCO’s executive vice president. “Our customers responded generously to the call to action to assist those men and women who rely on the Buffalo City Mission for shelter, warmth and a hot meal.”
A Code Blue is called when temperatures in Buffalo drop to 32 degrees or lower. At this time, the Buffalo City Mission opens its doors to provide shelter, clothing and hot meals for anyone, but especially for the chronically homeless who normally do not reside in shelters. To date this season, the Buffalo City Mission has called 67 Code Blue alerts, which is an increase of 48% compared to last year at this time.
“On behalf of the Buffalo City Mission, please accept our heartfelt thanks for the NOCO Snowflake Fundraising Campaign to benefit Code Blue,” said, Stuart Harper, executive director, Buffalo City Mission. “Buffalo is definitely a City of Good Neighbors, as NOCO customers rose above and beyond with a concerted effort to provide meals, and more, to those in desperate need. We greatly appreciate NOCO Energy Corporation understanding the need of the Code Blue Program. Your efforts helped feed, clothe and house thousands of people through this initiative. Thank you again NOCO, and all of Western New York for making this your Mission.”