June 29, 2009
City of Phoenix Partners with Food City to Help Hermosillo Fire Victims
The Phoenix Sister Cities Commission and Food City are partnering up to help assist victims and their families impacted by the recent fire at ABC Day Care in Hermosillo.
Valley residents can donate to the Hermosillo Fire Relief Fund at any one of Food City's more than 50 locations statewide. All proceeds will be used to assist the families impacted by this tragedy.
“Food City is humbled to be a part of this community-wide effort,” said Susy Ferra, community relations manager for Bashas’ Family of Stores. “We hope the proceeds from this effort will make a real impact on the lives of the families affected by the fire.”
“In times like these, it is vital that we work together to help our longtime neighbors and friends across the border,” said Phoenix City Councilman Claude Mattox, who also serves as the council liaison to the Phoenix Sister City of Hermosillo. “What happened was an absolute tragedy. My hope is that we would all do our part to help ease the pain of these families. Our thoughts are prayers are with them.”
The Hermosillo Fire Relief Fund was created by the Phoenix Sister Cities Commission on June 11, and has raised more than $8,000. Residents can still donate at all Wells Fargo Bank branches, account number 2832588335. Donations to the fund are tax-deductible.
At the time of the blaze, 142 children were inside the day care center. To date, 47 children have died due to fire-related injuries. All of the child victims are between six months and five years old, and some survivors are expected to need surgery every year, twice a year, until they reach age 18.
The city of Hermosillo is Phoenix’s longest Sister City partnership, which is in its 32nd year. For more information, contact the Phoenix Sister Cities office at 602-534-3751.
Media Contacts:
| Stephanie Ribodal | 602-261-8512 | |
| Susy Ferra, Food City | 480-895-3357 | |
| Rick Gerrard, Sister Cities | 602-534-3751 |
