Edward Jones Commits Support for Communities in Response to COVID-19

Financial-services firm donates $2.7 million to address urgent needs

MISSISSAUGA, ON, April 21, 2020 /CNW/ - As COVID-19 threatens the health and well-being of people and communities across North America, financial-services firm Edward Jones is committing $2.7 million to support national and community organizations serving the most immediate needs of its citizens.

"Edward Jones is committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of our clients, associates and communities across North America. Our communities need us now more than ever as a result of this pandemic and it's our privilege to help support both the financial and health needs of those most vulnerable," said David Gunn, country leader of Edward Jones Canada.

To ensure a coordinated effort that supports the most urgent needs across North America, the firm is investing in a variety of national, regional and community nonprofits in its headquarters cities of Mississauga, Ontario, St. Louis, Missouri and Tempe, Arizona including:

National Level Support

Support for Food Banks Canada to help ensure that over 600 food banks and over 3,000 food agencies across Canadian communities maintain vital food support for vulnerable families in need. COVID-19's devastating impact on Canada's food bank system is creating drastic declines in the amount of food, financial support and the number of volunteers – while the number of food bank users increases. Food Banks Canada is launching a special $150M appeal to help ensure that food banks can continue their critical work.

"While food insecurity is an issue year-round in Canada, COVID-19 has led to significant challenges," says Chris Hatch, chief executive officer for Food Banks Canada. "Edward Jones' donation will help us provide local food banks with the resources needed to adapt and help clients in quarantine situations with the nutritious food support they need."

Support for The American Red Cross to maintain vital relief services and sufficient blood supplies that are helping meet the urgent humanitarian needs of local citizens. As of April 8^th, almost 17,000 Red Cross blood drives have been canceled across the U.S. due to concerns about congregating at workplaces, college campuses, and schools amidst the coronavirus outbreak. More than 80 percent of the blood the Red Cross collects comes from drives held at these locations. These cancellations have resulted in 479,845 fewer blood donations, potentially impacting the care of 1,439,535 patients.

"The Red Cross is proud to count Edward Jones as a partner in making sure we can continue to deliver our lifesaving mission nationwide due to this public health emergency," said Don Herring, chief development officer at the American Red Cross. "Your gift helps ensure that the Red Cross can help patients in need of blood; and ensure that, due to the coronavirus outbreak, we are able to provide critical relief services to people affected by disasters big and small."

Regional Level Support

Support for The United Way, to support critical agency services in the Greater Toronto Area in Ontario, St. Louis, Missouri, and Tempe, Arizona, including the expansion of 2-1-1 helpline for people to access emergency food, shelter and childcare for first responders and essential workers. This support is in addition to investing $8.2 million in United Way through firm donations and employee giving campaigns.

"It's no surprise that in times of crisis, Edward Jones has stepped up for community. As long-time United Way supporters, they understand the importance of keeping our communities and neighbourhoods strong, investing in our network of agencies that are helping our most vulnerable at this difficult time. We're so grateful for their donation -- together we're helping with basic needs like food and shelter, supporting our seniors and those with mental health challenges, and continuing to build capacity in our network so that it can remain strong today and well into the future," said Daniele Zanotti, president & CEO, United Way Greater Toronto.

Community Level Support

Support for five local hospital systems: Trillium Health Partners (Credit Valley Hospital, Mississauga Hospital and Queensway Health Centre) in the Greater Toronto Area; Barnes Jewish Hospital, St. Louis University SSM, and Mercy Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri; and Arizona's Chandler Regional Medical Center; to support emergency medical response for area patients and Edward Jones associates should they need it.

"Trillium Health Partners is so appreciative of Edward Jones' extraordinary donation toward our COVID-19 efforts. I, along with many others in our hospital and Foundation, are deeply touched by the response that we have received from our community who have wanted to help those on the front lines of care during this unprecedented time," said Caroline Riseboro, president & CEO, Trillium Health Partners Foundation.

For more information, visit www.edwardjones.ca/about. 

About Edward Jones Canada

Edward Jones is a full-service investment dealer with more than 850 financial advisors in Canadian communities from coast-to-coast. A member of the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada and the Canadian Investor Protection Fund, the firm is also a participating organization in the Toronto Stock Exchange. For more information, visit edwardjones.ca.

SOURCE Edward Jones

Tom Horn, [email protected], [phone]