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ORLANDO, Fla. — Target Corp. and Publix Super Markets Inc. were among the companies that responded in the wake of the recent mass shooting at a gay nightclub here.
Target donated $250,000 to the OneOrlando Fund in honor of Mercedez Flores and Luis Omar Ocasio-Capo, two Target team members who were among the 49 people killed during the attack.
The OneOrlando Fund, established by Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, will go to nonprofit organizations serving victims, their families and the community.
“We were devastated to hear the news of the horrific event in Orlando, made even more personal by the tragic loss of two of our own team members,” said Target chief executive officer Brian Cornell. “I want to personally thank the local Target team in Orlando for pulling together during an incredibly difficult and emotional time to do everything they can to help the community.
“On behalf of everyone at Target, I offer my deepest condolences to the families and friends of those lost during Sunday’s tragedy and am honored to make this donation to help all those affected.”
Days after the shooting at an Orlando nightclub, Target teams across the country observed a moment of silence in honor of all of the victims. In addition, teams in Orlando donated food and water to first responders as well as those waiting in line to give blood to help survivors. Target also offered space outside a nearby store to serve as a command center for law enforcement.
Publix Super Markets Charities pledged to donate $250,000 to Strengthen Orlando in support of the OneOrlando Fund.
“Our hearts go out to the families and friends of those affected by the Orlando tragedy, including our own Publix family as we grieve the loss of one of our associates,” said president and CEO Todd Jones. “It is our hope that the contributions made by Publix Super Markets Charities and many other community partners will help the families and community in the healing process.”
In related efforts, Publix stores in the surrounding Orlando area pitched in during the aftermath of the shooting to meet the needs of emergency first responders, including providing them with much-needed water, ice and meals to care for approximately 400 responders on the scene and in the surrounding areas.
