Corby receives Road Safety Achievement Award for its commitment to raising awareness about drinking and driving

Ontario Ministry of Transportation recognizes Corby for its New Year's Eve "Don't Pay the Price" partnership with the TTC

TORONTO, June 11, 2014 /CNW/ - The Ontario Ministry of Transportation has recognized Corby Spirit and Wine as the recipient of its 2013 Road Safety Achievement Award in the category of Corporate Leadership at a ceremony on Tuesday night. Corby received this award for its "Don't Pay the Price" New Year's Eve partnership with the TTC (Toronto Transit Commission) to raise awareness about drinking and driving. 

In the 3-year agreement signed in June 2013, Corby committed to sponsoring the transit fare for all TTC bus, streetcar, and subway service throughout the City of Toronto on New Year's Eve. This first-of-its-kind initiative offers everyone in the GTA a way to get home safely on one of the most celebrated nights of the year. The campaign entitled "Don't Pay the Price" refers to both paying the price of transit fare, and the price of driving under the influence.

The Road Safety Achievement Awards were established over sixteen years ago by the Ministry of Transportation to recognize the outstanding contributions of individuals, groups and organizations who work to improve the safety of Ontario's roads.

"I am truly honoured to accept this award on behalf of everyone here at Corby," said CEO Patrick O'Driscoll. "Responsible consumption is at the core of our values, and it is fantastic to be recognized for our commitment and efforts. I'm proud to support a cause that has a positive impact on the safety of our roads, and I sincerely hope that the message behind this initiative continues to resonate year-round."

"On behalf of the TTC's 1.7 million daily riders, thank you Corby Spirit and Wine for your generosity and leadership in allowing Torontonians to ride the TTC for free on New Year's Eve, knowing we will get them home safely," said TTC CEO Andy Byford.

Corby's partnership with the TTC was announced on its third annual Responsib'All Day: a day of action founded by its majority shareholder Pernod Ricard S.A. - and recognized by all of its 19,000 employees around the world. The Group stops business for the day; instead participating in a multitude of local initiatives and events which allow employees to talk directly with customers, distributors, and consumers about the 5 commitments made in 2012 by Pernod Ricard and 13 other signatories in the wine, spirits and beer industry.

Corby's New Year's Eve transit sponsorship project has also received international recognition internally within the Pernod Ricard Group - winning a Premier Award in the category of CSR Best Practices worldwide.

"Raising awareness about drinking and driving is one of the key facets of Corby's commitment to responsible consumption," said Amandine Robin, Director of Communications, PR and CSR. "We're proud to show our dedication to this issue by taking action to help keep Torontonians safe."

About Corby Spirit and Wine

Corby Spirit and Wine Limited is a leading Canadian marketer and distributor of spirits and imported wines. Corby's portfolio of owned-brands includes some of the most renowned brands in Canada, including Wiser's®, Lot 40®, and Pike Creek® Canadian whiskies as well as Lamb's® rum, Polar Ice® vodka and McGuinness® and Criollo® liqueurs. Through its affiliation with Pernod Ricard S.A., a global leader in the spirits and wine industry, Corby also represents leading international brands such as ABSOLUT® vodka, Chivas Regal®, The Glenlivet® and Ballantine's® Scotch whiskies, Jameson® Irish whiskey, Beefeater® gin, Malibu® rum, Kahlúa® liqueur, Mumm® champagne, and Jacob's Creek®, Wyndham Estate®, Stoneleigh®, Campo Viejo® and Graffigna® wines. Corby was named one of the 50 Best Workplaces in Canada by The Great Place to Work® Institute Canada for the last three years in a row. Corby is a publicly traded company based in Toronto, Ontario, and listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the trading symbols CSW.A and CSW.B. For further information, please visit our website or follow us on LinkedIn.

SOURCE: Corby Spirit and Wine Communications

Amandine Robin
Director, Communications, Public Relations and CSR
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: [phone]