Budweiser Canada Will Redirect a Portion of Sports Investments to Support Those on the Front Lines of COVID-19 Through the Canadian Red Cross
TORONTO, March 27, 2020 /CNW/ - Budweiser Canada announced today that it will redirect a portion of its previously planned sports investments to the Canadian Red Cross, to help support the heroes on the front lines in response to the COVID-19 public health crisis.
Budweiser will donate $500,000 to the Canadian Red Cross Fund which will support five key areas directly related to COVID-19, including:
- Distributing emergency supplies such as cots, blankets and hygiene kits upon request by local authorities.
- Providing emotional and psychosocial support via phone and referring Canadians to specialized mental health care.
- Exploring a potential role in training for essential frontline personnel (community workers) on the use of masks, gloves and gowns.
- Supporting the distribution of financial assistance to those eligible through government programs in Quebec and New Brunswick.
- Helping people through the uncertainty by providing key information and referrals to available assistance.
"COVID-19 has changed how we all live our lives for the time being, but it hasn't changed Budweiser Canada's commitment to our community," said Todd Allen, VP of Marketing for Labatt Breweries of Canada. "We feel that this is a time to do what we can to support communities in need and most of all, the heroes on the front lines, leveraging our resources, our relationships, and our reach to do our part. We invite other companies to use their unique capabilities to join us in this effort, however they can, so that together we can make a difference."
"Canadian Red Cross volunteers and staff are currently responding to emerging needs across the country as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, in addition to preparing for the possibility of floods, wildfires and other disasters that may affect people over the spring and summer months," says Melanie Soler, vice-president of emergency management for Canadian Red Cross. "This generous gift from Budweiser Canada will help the Canadian Red Cross continue its vital work in supporting those most vulnerable during these very challenging times."
To bring hope and inspiration to Canadians who may be feeling isolated and scared during this difficult time, Budweiser created an emotional 60-second social video that champions the best of the Canadian spirit, called 'One Team.' The spot reminds us that we are all one team, and that Canada is at its best when its people come together to make an impact for the greater good. To watch the video and learn more go to Budweiser.ca/OneTeam or visit Budweiser Canada on YouTube.
In addition, earlier this week, Labatt Breweries of Canada, parent company of Budweiser Canada announced that it will be shifting production from beer to hand sanitizer at select breweries across the country in support of the national effort to combat the spread of COVID-19. Initial production will result in 50,000 bottles of hand sanitizer that will be donated to support Food Banks Canada, front line workers and partners in the restaurant and bar industry who are playing a critical role in serving take-out meals in this time of need.
ABOUT BUDWEISER CANADA
Budweiser – the King of Beers – has been brewed since 1876 under the highest quality standards. Brewed in Canada for more than 35 years, Budweiser uses only the finest ingredients without any artificial ingredients, additives or preservatives. Budweiser is distinguished by its clean, crisp, distinctive flavour, the result of a unique beechwood aging process.
ABOUT THE CANADIAN RED CROSS
Here in Canada and overseas, the Red Cross stands ready to help people before, during and after a disaster. As a member of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement – which is made up of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the International Committee of the Red Cross and 192 national Red Cross and Red Crescent societies – the Canadian Red Cross is dedicated to improving the lives of vulnerable people by mobilizing the power of humanity in Canada and throughout the world.
SOURCE Budweiser Canada
Tamar Nersesian, Sr. Communications Manager, Labatt Breweries of Canada, [email protected], 416-318-3989; Jessie Robertson, Account Manager, Veritas Communications, [email protected], 416-553-0669
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