PORTSMOUTH, NH - Irving Oil is once again teaming up with law enforcement officers in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont and Massachusetts for its annual Fueling Dreams campaign for Special Olympics. On May 31 & June 1, 2008 Irving will donate 5 cents for every gallon of gasoline purchased to the Law Enforcement Torch Run, the largest fundraiser worldwide for Special Olympics.

 

Law enforcement officers have designated May 31 as their annual To Serve and Protect Day. As part of the day’s activities, enforcement officers will work alongside Irving employees and Special Olympics athletes and coaches, to pump gas, wash windows and greet customers. The event will take place from 9am-4pm at all participating Irving Bluecanoe, Mainway and Big Stop locations throughout New England.

 

“The Fueling Dreams To Serve and Protect event has grown to a level we never could have imagined!,” said Phil Geelhoed, Executive Director, Special Olympics Maine. “Each year, Irving management and staff, as well as law enforcement representatives, really gets behind this event. The generous support that we continue to receive has an enormous impact on not only our athletes, but also their families, friends and communities. Special Olympics Maine is pleased and thankful to have such a caring, community-minded corporate partner in Irving Oil.”

 

Irving Oil started its Fueling Dreams program in 1999 and since its inception, has raised more than 1.2 million dollars. According to Irving’s Leon Jesseman, last year’s event was the most successful to date, raising $256,342.

 

“We look forward to this event every year,” said Jesseman. “We have an opportunity to work alongside so many talented and special athletes whose enthusiasm and excitement is so rewarding. Each year the event attracts more and more people who want to do their part in helping thousands of athletes achieve their dreams.”  

 

Bill Porreca, President of Special Olympics Vermont, said the success of the program can be attributed to the generosity of thousands Irving customers, and is also due to the hardworking individuals representing law enforcement, Irving Oil, and Special Olympics chapters throughout New England.

“Irving Oil and Special Olympics have formed a life-changing partnership through the Fueling Dreams program,” said Porreca. “Thank you Irving Oil for your commitment to impact and improve the lives of all people with intellectual disabilities.”

 

Irving invites the public to join in on all the fun and festivities on May 31 and June 1 when 5 cents for every gallon of fuel purchased at participating Irving locations will be donated to the Special Olympics.

 

“Stop by your local station and fill up for a great cause,” said Jesseman.

 

Mike Quinn, President Special Olympics New Hampshire said “This is a true community event. In New Hampshire alone, this directly impacts the lives of over 3000 athletes with intellectual challenges in 100 communities. These athletes live their oath:

 

            ‘Let me win but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt’” 

 

Founded in 1924, Irving Oil is a regional refining and marketing company serving customers in New England and Eastern Canada with a range of finished energy products, including gasoline, diesel, home heating fuel, lubricants, jet fuel and complementary products and services. The company's network of Bluecanoe and Mainway convenience stores throughout New England and Eastern Canada offers customers a wide variety of products and services, including grocery and snack items, bakeries and convenience items in addition to fuel. Irving Oil is the first oil company to win a USEPA Clean Air Excellence award for its low sulphur gasoline. For more information, visit www.irvingoil.com.

Media Contact:

 

Lars Trodson

Public Affairs, Irving Oil

603-422-9650, ext. 327