Cara Supports Canadian Red Cross' Alberta Fires Appeal

…company donates $50,000 and launches national fundraising drive…

VAUGHAN, ON, May 7, 2016 /CNW/ - Cara Operations Limited and its employees banded together today to support the people of Fort McMurray with a $50,000 donation to The Canadian Red Cross' Alberta Fires Appeal.

"Everyone at Cara is heartbroken by the scenes of devastation in Fort McMurray and surrounding areas and we want to do our part to help the communities and our associates and franchise partners impacted by this tragedy," said Bill Gregson, Chair of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Cara. "In addition to our $50,000 donation, next week, we will also launch a national fundraising drive in all Cara restaurants to provide our guests with the opportunity to help us support the people affected by this national disaster."

From May 10 to 31, financial donations to the Canadian Red Cross' Alberta Fires Appeal will be accepted at all participating Cara restaurants including Harvey's, Swiss Chalet, Kelsey's, East Side Mario's, Montana's, Milestones, Prime Pubs, New York Fries, Bier Markt and Landing restaurants. 

"We want to sincerely thank Cara for donating to the Red Cross relief efforts responding to the Alberta fires," says Conrad Sauvé, president and CEO, Canadian Red Cross. "This contribution will help thousands of Canadians rebuild their lives."

About The Canadian Red Cross Society
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 190 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.

Canadians wishing to help are encouraged to make a financial donation to the Alberta Fires Appeal online at www.redcross.ca/albertafires, by calling 1-800-418-1111 or by contacting their local Canadian Red Cross office.

About Cara
Founded in 1883, Cara is Canada's oldest and largest full-service restaurant company.  The Company franchises and/or operates some of the most recognized brands in the country including Swiss Chalet, Harvey's, Milestones, Montana's, Kelsey's, East Side Mario's, Casey's, New York Fries, Prime Pubs, Bier Markt and Landing restaurants.  As at March 27, 2016, Cara had 997 restaurants, 959 of which were located in Canada and the remaining 38 locations were located internationally.  88% of Cara's restaurants are operated by franchisees and 66% of Cara's locations are based in Ontario.  Cara's shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol CAO.  More information about the Company is available at www.cara.com.

SOURCE Cara Operations Limited

Media Contact: Katherine Clark, Cowan & Company, [email protected], [phone] ext. 55