LCBO stores raise funds for Ontario Students Against Impaired Driving (OSAID)

TORONTO, April 25, 2012 /CNW/ - Starting April 29, the public can help support Ontario Students Against Impaired Driving (OSAID) by making a donation at any of the more than 620 LCBO stores throughout Ontario. Donation boxes for OSAID will be displayed at LCBO checkout counters until May 26.

OSAID is a grassroots charity with 5,000 youth volunteers. For more than 25 years, OSAID volunteers have been promoting smart decisions among their peers through public awareness in a realistic and relevant manner to help reduce and eliminate impaired driving.

"We appreciate the support we receive from LCBO, its employees and especially its customers. LCBO's province-wide store network and supportive staff enable OSAID to raise significant funds and increase public awareness of our charity," says Matt Evans, Executive Director, OSAID. "These funds help us drive awareness among youth on the importance of making smart decisions and to help prevent tragedies caused by impaired driving."

"LCBO is pleased to partner with OSAID and provide support to a variety of worthy causes," says LCBO President & CEO Bob Peter. "Generous LCBO customers and staff improve the lives of countless Ontarians and help communities throughout the province."

OSAID is one of 28 provincial, as well as numerous local charities, that will benefit from LCBO's province-wide donation box program in 2012. In 2011, LCBO raised a total of more than $6.2 million for charities through special programs and initiatives, of which $5.7 million was raised through in-store fundraising. In addition, LCBO's annual dividend transfer to the Ontario government, which totaled $1.55 billion in fiscal 2010-11, excluding taxes, supports a wide range of important government programs, services and priorities, including health care and education.

OSAID thanks the public for its support when shopping at their local LCBO store during May.

Media Contacts:

Matt Evans 
OSAID Executive Director 
Tel: [phone]; E-mail: [email protected]

Stephanie Petroff  
LCBO Senior Communications Consultant 
Tel: [phone]; E-mail: [email protected]