Benjamin Moore program grants cash and paint to community and heritage groups across Canada

OTTAWA, May 31, 2012 /CNW/ - Community Foundations of Canada and Benjamin Moore & Co. today announced grants and donations of paint to help 38 community groups across Canada improve historic buildings or community meeting places in their communities.

This year's grants from the Benjamin Moore Community Restoration Program total $72,000 in funding and $24,100 in paint for organizations from Victoria, BC to St. Stephen, NB.

"This is an innovative and valuable partnership, because there are very few programs that help community groups maintain their physical space," says Ian Bird, President and CEO of Community Foundations of Canada. "For more than a decade Benjamin Moore & Co. has been building smart and caring communities from coast to coast by helping us take better care of the places that matter to us. "

"This program is a wonderful way for Benjamin Moore & Co. and its retailers to connect with community, with the support of Community Foundations of Canada. Together we find projects where our products and expertise can make a real difference to organizations that work so hard in our communities," says Doug Funston, Commercial Manager for Benjamin Moore & Co. in central Canada.

Since 1998, the Benjamin Moore Community Restoration Program has supported more than 220 community groups with grants totaling $674,000 and $163,000 in donated paint. Community foundations across the country assist the program by using their local networks and community knowledge to identify applicants that meet the program's criteria.

Community Foundations of Canada is the national network for Canada's more than 180 community foundations, which help Canadians invest in building strong and resilient places to live, work, and play. To find out more visit www.cfc-fcc.ca

Benjamin Moore & Co., a Berkshire Hathaway company, was founded in 1883 and established its Canadian operations in 1906. One of North America's leading manufacturers of premium quality residential, commercial and industrial maintenance coatings, its products are distributed through a network of independent paint and decorating retailers. Benjamin Moore has been a longstanding steward of the environment with a relentless commitment to sustainable manufacturing practices plus the ongoing development of the most eco-responsible formulations possible. Its portfolio of Green Promise® products continues to grow and includes Aura, über-performance low-VOC paint; Natura, the true zero-VOC interior paint, remaining zero in any colour, any sheen; and, EcoSpec Zero-VOC Paint for commercial interiors. For more information visit www.benjaminmoore.com

Visit www.cfc-fcc.ca for a full list of 2012 Benjamin Moore Community Restoration Program Grantees.

Skana Gee
Communications Coordinator 
Community Foundations of Canada
P: 902-466-7191
E: [email protected]

Anne-Marie McElrone 
Director of Communications and Marketing
Community Foundations of Canada
P: 902-223-0674
E: [email protected]