Food Banks Canada honoured with Canadian wireless industry award for its
innovative Phones for Food program

TORONTO, April 22 /CNW/ - Food Banks Canada's innovative fundraising program, Phones for Food, supported by Rogers Communications, was honoured by the Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association with a "Connected to the Community" award, in recognition of its efforts to improve the lives of Canadians in need.

Phones for Food is a collection and recycling program that collects used wireless devices that are then refurbished or recycled with proceeds directed to Food Banks Canada. In partnership with founding sponsor Rogers Communications, Phones for Food provides an easy way for Rogers and Fido customers to recycle used devices that are turned into much needed financial resources.

"Phones for Food is an essential program that provides much needed funds for Food Banks Canada and its member food banks to support hunger alleviation initiatives," said Katharine Schmidt, Executive Director Food Banks Canada. "To be recognized by the CWTA is a tremendous honour and we are proud to have Rogers as our long-standing partner."

"Food Banks Canada is an important partner in our efforts to reduce electronic waste by collecting used wireless devices," said Ken Engelhart, Senior Vice President, Regulatory, Rogers Communications. "We are pleased that they have been honoured by the CWTA in this way."

Since its launch in 2003, Phones for Food has generated over $800,000 for Food Banks Canada and the food bank community and diverted close to 450,000 wireless devices from landfills. The program has also been recognized by the City of Toronto, Recycling Council of Ontario and Imagine Canada.

For more information about Phones for Food visit www.phonesforfood.com

About Food Banks Canada

Food Banks Canada is the national charitable organization representing the food bank community across Canada. Our Members, Affiliate Member food banks, and their respective agencies serve approximately 85% of people accessing emergency food programs nationwide. Our mission is to meet the short-term need for food and find long-term solutions to reduce hunger. Please visit www.foodbankscanada.ca for more information.

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For further information: Media Contact: Marzena Gersho, Food Banks Canada, [phone], [phone]