TORONTO, May 12, 2016 /CNW/ - In response to the wildfires in Fort McMurray, Alberta, the Green Shield Canada (GSC) Foundation has donated $50,000 to the Canadian Red Cross relief efforts. The company is also matching donations that GSC staff members make to the Red Cross. In addition, GSC, one of Canada's largest administrators of drug benefits, is making sure that impacted plan members get the medications they need by allowing Alberta pharmacies to refill prescriptions sooner than usual as many people have lost their medications or cannot access them due to the fires and evacuations.
GSC's funding will help the Red Cross get vital support and supplies including food, shelter and water to those affected by the wildfires. "Like all Canadians, our hearts go out to the residents of Fort McMurray and we want to do our part to help," said Steve Bradie, president and CEO of GSC. "Our mission and values are deeply rooted in social responsibility and charitable giving. We are committed to these core beliefs and this donation reinforces our ongoing commitment to those most in need."
GSC is also encouraging others to follow their lead in supporting the relief efforts. Steve Bradie explains, "The GSC Employee Matching Program means that GSC will match donations made by staff members to the Red Cross. With the federal and Alberta governments already matching Red Cross donations, this means that GSC staff donations will have four times the impact." In addition to staff donations, GSC hopes that others outside of GSC recognize the tremendous need and follow suit by making donations to the Red Cross or setting up matching programs.
About Green Shield Canada and the Foundation
As Canada's only national not-for-profit health and dental benefits specialist, GSC's reason for being is the enhancement of the common good. GSC seeks out innovative ways to improve access to better health for Canadians. The GSC Foundation was created in 1992 to support innovative ideas that build community capacity, strengthen public policy and advance knowledge in the health care field.
SOURCE Green Shield Canada
Image with caption: "Green Shield Canada (CNW Group/Green Shield Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160512_C4415_PHOTO_EN_689021.jpg
Image with caption: "Green Shield Canada Foundation (CNW Group/Green Shield Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160512_C4415_PHOTO_EN_689025.jpg
David Willows, Vice President, Strategic Market Solutions, 416.221.7001 ext. 4100, [email protected]
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