Breakfast Clubs of Canada and Walmart Canada raise $2.9 million for School Breakfast Programs across Canada

MONTREAL, March 28, 2012 /CNW/ - Breakfast Clubs of Canada and Walmart Canada are proud to announce its Help Them Shine Campaign raised $2.9 million to help kids shine in school and in life. With future prime ministers, teachers and Stanley Cup champions in our classrooms, the funds raised will help level the playing field and assist students in reaching their full potential.

Thanks to generous donations, Breakfast Clubs of Canada will support and launch 125 new in-school breakfast programs and increase its training programs with a specific focus on nutrition, youth self-esteem and volunteerism.

"Through Walmart's support we will see more kids shine in the classroom," said Daniel Germain, president and founder of Breakfast Clubs of Canada. "Walmart is an integral partner in our success and strongly believes in our mission to the cause of feeding our children's future."

From February 16 to March 11, 2012, Canadians showed their support by purchasing a $1 bookmark at Walmart Canada stores across the country. Every bookmark sold equaled one nutritious breakfast for a child.  The in-store campaign raised more than $2.1 million and received more than $663,500 in corporate matching grants. In addition, the corporate challenge and SMS donations raised $17,000.

Corporate partners like Danone, Folgers, Kellogg's, The Laughing Cow and Uncle Ben's also joined in to help make a difference. By purchasing select food product from these partners at Walmart Canada stores, the Help Them Shine Campaign raised an additional $125,000.

Breakfast Clubs of Canada serves approximately 18 million breakfasts annually to 118,000 children in 1,170 schools across Canada. Children rely on breakfast clubs as a place to have a healthy breakfast in a caring and supportive environment. When children go to school with a full stomach, they are ready to learn with energy, creativity and problem-solving skills.

Since 2005, Walmart Canada has donated and raised close to $18 million for Breakfast Clubs of Canada, making Walmart Canada Breakfast Club of Canada's largest corporate donor and proud partner.

"At Walmart Canada, we are committed to helping families in need and we are a proud supporter of kids' breakfast programs in Canada," said Shelley Broader, president and CEO of Walmart Canada. "Our associates, customers, and suppliers continue to show overwhelming generosity to ensure Canadian children get a nutritious start to their day."

To learn more about Breakfast Clubs of Canada or make a donation online, visit www.BreakfastClubsCanada.org.

Linda North, Venture Communications, 416-849-1874
Lisa Clowery, Breakfast Clubs of Canada, 1 866 449-4900 x 223
Felicia Fefer, Walmart Canada, 905-821-2111 x 74466