Kokanee donates $1 from every 24-can case sold at BC Liquor Stores to wildfire relief

VANCOUVER, July 28, 2015 /CNW/ - Kokanee is the beer out here, which is why it has pledged to protect B.C.'s outdoors, enjoyed by millions of Canadians every year. From August 1 to August 31, 2015, $1 from every 24-can case of Kokanee purchased at BC Liquor Stores will go toward raising funds for B.C. wildfire relief efforts.

"Kokanee has proposed a terrific program that will help provide much needed support to BC communities affected by the wildfires this summer," says General Manager and CEO of the BC Liquor Distribution Branch, Blain Lawson.  "BC Liquor Stores is proud to partner with Kokanee on this initiative."

Kokanee will work directly with local communities to identify those communities in need, and where best the funds can be directed.

"Kokanee was born and bred in the mountains, and has been a part of the B.C. community since the early 1960s. When something threatens our backyard, we take it seriously," said Briar Wells, manager, corporate affairs. "It was important for Kokanee and Labatt to work with BC Liquor Stores so that we could act quickly and cast a wide net across the province to help make a direct impact. Donating funds to help support those affected by the wildfires is part of our overall effort to provide aid to Western Canada this summer."

Earlier this month, Labatt, which brews Kokanee, donated 48,000 cans of water to thousands of residents and fire fighters affected by forest fires in Western Canada, as part of the company's Canadian Disaster Relief Program. Labatt has subsequently put another 48,000 additional cans of emergency drinking water on standby, ready for deployment to B.C. communities should the need arise.

To locate one of the 196 BC Liquor Stores that will support this initiative, please visit www.bcliquorstores.com.

About Labatt Breweries of Canada

Labatt Breweries is one of Canada's founding businesses and oldest brewers.  Established by John Kinder Labatt in London, Ontario in 1847, Labatt today has more than 3,000 employees and six breweries across the country and a portfolio of 60 quality beers, including Kokanee, Budweiser, Alexander Keith's, Labatt Blue, Stella Artois and Corona.  As a part of the Anheuser-Busch InBev family, Labatt is committed to being The Best Beer Company Bringing People Together for a Better World, making a positive contribution through multiple programs that support its communities, promote responsible drinking and protect the environment.

SOURCE Labatt Breweries of Canada

Briar Wells, [email protected], [phone], [phone]; April Kemick, BC Liquor Distribution Branch, [phone], [phone] (cell)