Loblaw and its customers donate and provide support to aid in Haitian relief
efforts

BRAMPTON, ON, Jan. 20 /CNW/ - Since accepting donations last week, Loblaw has collected close to $400,000 from customers to aid in Haitian relief efforts. In addition to a donation on behalf of Loblaw colleagues, Loblaw and its franchisees have mobilized resources internally as well as through Loblaw's vendor network to provide a range of much needed supplies that has been air-lifted to Haiti .

"Loblaw Companies Limited and its franchisees believe in the importance of making a difference in the communities where we operate and sometimes making a difference at home requires helping those abroad. On behalf of our colleagues and employees we extend our sympathy for those affected by the earthquake in Haiti and we want to acknowledge the generous support our customers have shown to those in need," said Inge van den Berg, senior vice-president, Corporate Affairs, Loblaw Companies Limited.

Customers wishing to support relief efforts can make cash donations to the Canadian Red Cross Haiti relief effort at Loblaw Companies corporate and participating franchise store check-outs, Loblaws, Loblaw Great Food, Loblaw Superstore, Fortinos, Zehrs, Zehrs Great Food, Your Independent Grocer, valu-mart, No Frills, Dominion, Atlantic SaveEasy, Atlantic Superstore, Extra Foods, Real Canadian Superstore, Wholesale Club, Provigo, Maxi and Maxi & Cie, and Loblaws Quebec .

Donations can also be made directly to the Canadian Red Cross at www.redcross.ca/helpnow, by calling toll free 1-800-418-1111 or at any Red Cross office.

About Loblaw Companies Limited

Loblaw Companies Limited, a subsidiary of George Weston Limited, is Canada's largest food distributor and a leading provider of drugstore, general merchandise and financial products and services. Loblaw is one of the largest private sector employers in Canada . With more than 1,000 corporate and franchised stores from coast to coast, Loblaw and its franchisees employ over 139,000 full-time and part-time employees. Through its portfolio of store formats, Loblaw is committed to providing Canadians with a wide, growing and successful range of products and services to meet the everyday household demands of Canadian consumers. Loblaw is known for the quality, innovation and value of its food offering. It offers Canada's strongest control (private) label program, including the unique President's Choice(R), no name(R) and Joe Fresh Style(R) brands. In addition, the Company makes available to consumers President's Choice Financial(R) services and offers the PC(R) points loyalty program.

For further information: or to arrange an interview with a spokesperson, please contact: Julija Hunter, Senior Director, Corporate Affairs, Loblaw Companies Limited, [phone], extension 616078, Email: [email protected]