Firkin Pubs raises a pint of glory to support Ontario's Food Banks

The Firkin Group and Molson Coors Canada to make donation for every pint of Rickard's sold this holiday season

MARKHAM, ON, Nov. 23 /CNW/ - Molson Coors Canada , the Firkin Group, and the Ontario Association of Food Banks (OAFB) launched the fifth annual Raise a Pint of Glory campaign at the Owl and Firkin Pub to get Ontarians engaged in reducing hunger during a particularly difficult holiday season. The campaign provides an opportunity for pub patrons to support Ontario's food banks by purchasing a pint of Rickard's from late November until December 25th . For every pint raised, the Firkin Group and Molson Coors will donate 25 cents to the Ontario Association of Food Banks (OAFB).

"This has been one of the most difficult years on record for Ontario's food banks," says Adam Spence , Executive Director of the OAFB. "Food and financial donations are down in many communities, while many food banks are reporting that record numbers of Ontarians are turning to them for assistance. We need the support of our neighbours more than ever before."

In Ontario, 375,000 people are forced to turn to food banks each month and 40 per cent of those served by food banks across the province are children. The majority of food banks rely on the generosity of community members during the fall and winter holiday seasons to keep food on their shelves throughout the year. Unfortunately, 37 per cent of food banks in Ontario do not have enough food to meet the needs of their neighbours. Many more are struggling with a need to purchase unprecedented amounts of food.

"With the holidays just around the corner and tough times for many families, it's imperative that we reach out to our local communities," said Larry Isaacs , Director of Marketing, The Firkin Group. "We are fortunate to be involved in helping put food on the table for so many Ontarians, and with all of our locations participating in this initiative, we're making it easy and convenient for our guests to give to an important cause."

The goal for the campaign is to raise $20,000 during the holiday season. Neighbours can show their support by visiting one of 28 participating Firkin Pub locations in Ontario. Guests may also make non-perishable food donations at select locations. During the campaign period, Molson Coors Canada and the Firkin Group will also be holding Raise a Pint of Glory prize contests online to get more Ontarians engaged in the campaign.

"Molson Coors Canada is proud to support the Ontario Association of Food Banks (OAFB) and the work they do across the province," said Tonia Hammer Molson Coors Canada . "We hope that thousands of Ontarians will join us and raise a pint of Rickard's this holiday season to support local food banks."

Please feel free to download high resolution photos from the launch event from Molson Coors Canada and the OAFB via the following links:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/molsonblog/sets/72157622862667220/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/43807538@N03/sets/72157622862523314/

ABOUT THE FIRKIN GROUP

Founded in 1987 by Stanley Adelson and Ian Fisher , the Firkin Group of Pubs is North America's largest growing chain of neighbourhood pubs - a welcoming place to meet friends for a pint, some fine food and a good time. The Firkin Group is the largest pub chain in Canada , with 29 locations including 28 in Ontario and one in British Columbia.

ABOUT MOLSON COORS CANADA

Molson Coors Canada is the Canadian division of Molson Coors Brewing Company, a global brewer with operations in Canada , the U.S., U.K and Asia. The Company proudly offers some of the most popular brands in Canada with an award-winning brand portfolio which includes Molson Canadian, Coors Light, Molson Export, Molson Dry and Rickard's. Molson also partners with other leading brewers to offer such global brands as Heineken, Corona, Miller Genuine Draft, and Foster's Lager. Molson Coors Canada employs 3,000 Canadians, operates six breweries, including the boutique brewery Creemore, and invests in communities from coast-to-coast through its various charitable initiatives and sports and entertainment sponsorships. Molson Coors Canada is committed to promoting its products and events in a responsible manner.

ABOUT THE ONTARIO ASSOCIATION OF FOOD BANKS (OAFB)

The Ontario Association of Food Banks (OAFB) is a network of over 100 food banks including communities across the province from Ottawa to Windsor, and Niagara Falls to Thunder Bay working towards a hunger-free Ontario. For more information about the OAFB, as well as hunger and poverty in Ontario, please visit www.oafb.ca.

For further information: Adam Spence, Executive Director, Ontario Association of Food Banks (OAFB), Work: [phone], x. 2931, Mobile: [phone], Email: [email protected]; Larry Isaacs, Firkin Group of Pubs, Work: [phone], ext. 27, Email: [email protected]; Tonia Hammer, Work: [phone], Email: [email protected]