NEW YORK — Over the weekend, ImLive.com launched an initiative, in collaboration with Gray's Papaya, to provide prepaid vouchers to the city's unhoused population that can be redeemed for free hot dogs.
"ImLive is currently coordinating with shelters and food pantries around the city to make the [unhoused] community aware of the program," said the rep. "Gray’s Papaya has two locations in the city, and each will be accepting vouchers that can be redeemed for one free Deluxe frank with ketchup, mustard, sauerkraut, onions, relish, plus the option to add chili and cheese."
A company rep explained the voucher program originated from a number of requests from ImLive members during the company's "18th Birthday Wish-a-Thon," which is granting 18 wishes to commemorate 18 years in business. The members had asked that ImLive find ways to feed those who are homeless or unhoused.
“One person who is homeless or hungry is one person too many, and with COVID-19, there is an increase in both. It can be someone who lost their job due to COVID and can’t feed themselves or their family, or someone who is homeless and is scared to go to a shelter — where they would ordinarily get fed — because of fears of catching the virus,” said Adrian Stoneman, VP of ImLive.
"To help New York City’s growing homeless and hungry population get fed and stay safe, we’re excited to offer them hot dogs," said Stoneman. "There’s nothing more ‘New York’ than a hot dog."
Rachael Gray, owner of Gray's Papaya, said the company is "very eager" to be partnering with ImLive on the project.
"This is an initiative our team at Gray’s Papaya is extremely passionate about and we want to help the homeless population in our city any way we can," she said. "Gray’s Papaya is a family-owned business and we’re proud to be a part of such a great cause that will give back to our city."
In related news, other wishes granted by the company during the "18th Birthday Wish-a-Thon" include donating one-on-one companion sessions to lonely seniors in assisted living facilities, commemorating World Wildlife Day by raising funds for the endangered Titicaca Giant Frog (aka the Scrotum Frog) and the "Get Wood, Give Wood" tree-planting initiative.
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