LCBO partners with the Canadian Diabetes Association

TORONTO, Nov. 3, 2016 /CNW/ - During November 2016, Ontarians can support the Canadian Diabetes Association (CDA) by making a donation at any of the more than 650 LCBO stores throughout Ontario. Donation boxes for the CDA will be displayed at LCBO checkout counters.

The CDA is the registered national charity helping the 11 million Canadians with diabetes or prediabetes live healthy lives, and educates those at risk. In communities across Canada, the CDA is working to end diabetes by:

• offering educational programs and support services;
• developing resources to health-care professionals on best practices to care for people with diabetes;
• advocating with those affected by diabetes to governments, schools and workplaces; and,
• funding research to improve treatments and find a cure.

"I want to thank the LCBO's customers and staff for helping us fundraise on behalf of the one in three Canadians living with diabetes or prediabetes—many of whom don't know it," says Rick Blickstead, CDA President and CEO. "This is especially timely in November, which is Diabetes Awareness Month, and November 14 is World Diabetes Day. This month gives us an opportunity to raise awareness about the disease and help Canadians find out if they are at risk for type 2 diabetes."

"As a socially responsible community-minded retailer, LCBO is pleased to partner with the CDA and other worthy causes through the Giving Back In Our Community fundraising program," says LCBO President & CEO George Soleas. "Through the generosity of LCBO customers and the support of our staff, we help improve the lives of countless Ontarians and make a difference in communities across Ontario."

The CDA is one of 28 provincial and numerous local charities that benefit from LCBO's province-wide donation box program in 2016. In fiscal 2015-16, LCBO raised a total of more than $10.9 million for charities through in-store fundraising, special programs and initiatives. In addition, LCBO's annual dividend transfer to the Ontario government, which totaled $1.935 billion in fiscal year 2015-16 ending March 31, 2016, excluding taxes, supports a wide range of important government programs, services and priorities, including health care and education.

SOURCE Canadian Diabetes Association

Media Contacts: Paul Kilbertus, Senior Manager, Strategic Communications, Canadian Diabetes Association, Tel: [phone], [email protected]; Silvana Aceto, Senior Communications Consultant, LCBO, Tel: [phone], [email protected]