LCBO stores raise funds for Forests Ontario

TORONTO, Feb. 23, 2016 /CNW/ - Starting February 28, the public can help support tree planting by making a donation to Forests Ontario at any of the more than 650 LCBO stores throughout Ontario. Donation boxes for Forests Ontario will be displayed at LCBO checkout counters until March 31.

Funds raised through the Provincial Donation Box Program will help Forests Ontario plant and manage three million trees across the province. Forests Ontario's goal in planting trees is to foster a greener and healthier future for Ontario. Our forests provide all Ontarians with clean air and water and places to play, camp, hike, and explore. Forests also ensure healthy soils and are home to an incredible range of wildlife. In addition, healthy, well managed forests are essential for sequestering carbon emissions and countering the effects of climate change.

"Forests Ontario is incredibly privileged to have this opportunity to raise important funds and awareness through the LCBO's Provincial Donation Box Program," says Rob Keen, Forests Ontario CEO. "We want to thank LCBO's generous customers and supportive staff who are helping us plant trees that are an investment in the health and well-being of all Ontarians."

"As a socially responsible community-minded retailer, LCBO is pleased to partner with Forests Ontario and support a variety of worthy causes through the Giving Back In Our Community fundraising program," says LCBO President & CEO Bob Peter. "Through the generosity of LCBO customers and the support of our staff, we help improve the lives of countless Ontarians and make a difference in communities across Ontario."

Forests Ontario is one of 28 provincial and numerous local charities that will benefit from LCBO's province-wide donation box program in 2016. In 2014, LCBO raised a total of more than $9.5 million for charities through special programs and initiatives, of which $8.8 million was raised through in-store fundraising. In addition, LCBO's annual dividend transfer to the Ontario government, which totaled $1.805 billion in fiscal 2014-15 ending March 31, 2015, excluding taxes, supports a wide range of important government programs, services and priorities, including health care and education.

Forests Ontario thanks the public for its support when shopping at their local LCBO store from February 28 – March 31, 2016.

SOURCE Forests Ontario

Image with caption: "Until March 31st, visit a LCBO location across Ontario and donate to tree planting efforts with donation boxes in support of Forests Ontario. (CNW Group/Forests Ontario)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160223_C5189_PHOTO_EN_627124.jpg

Image with caption: "Look for this card on donation boxes at over 650 LCBO locations across Ontario and donate to tree planting efforts! Funds raised through the Provincial Donation Box Program will help Forests Ontario plant and manage three million trees across the province. (CNW Group/Forests Ontario)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160223_C5189_PHOTO_EN_627125.jpg

Media Contacts: Shelley McKay, Director of Communications & Development, Forests Ontario, Tel: [phone], ext. 232, E-mail: [email protected]; Stephanie Petroff, LCBO Senior Communications Consultant, Tel: [phone], E-mail: [email protected]