Maple Leaf Contributes $200,000 to the Waterloo Region Museum to Preserve the Schneider Foods Legacy

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Feb. 27, 2015 /CNW/ - Maple Leaf Foods today announced that it is contributing $200,000 to the Waterloo Region Museum to preserve the important legacy and artifacts of Schneider Foods in the region.

As part of the contribution, Maple Leaf is donating more than 250 Schneiders artifacts that have been carefully preserved and catalogued over the Company's more than 125-year history. The Museum will showcase select artifacts in a new Schneiders display as part of the Museum's expanded home-life exhibit, which it expects to complete by 2016. Artifacts will also be showcased in other locations in the Museum's Long-term Gallery in early 2015 until the expansion is complete.

"The Waterloo Region Museum is a world-class institution that showcases the heart and soul of the Waterloo Region – past and present," said Michael H. McCain, President and CEO, Maple Leaf Foods. "We are very pleased our donation will support the tremendous educational experiences the Museum offers and preserve the important role of Schneiders in the history of the Waterloo Region."

"The Region appreciates these donations to Waterloo Region Museum from Maple Leaf Foods," said Ken Seiling, Regional Chair. "The Schneiders brand is inextricably linked with the history of Waterloo Region and it is important that this story be preserved."

The financial donation, which will be acknowledged by the naming of the Museum's long term gallery in honour of Maple Leaf and Schneider Foods, will be made in annual instalments of $40,000 for five years, beginning in 2016.

About the Waterloo Region Museum
The Waterloo Region Museum reflects the development of Waterloo Region through time, showcasing community growth, prosperity, ingenuity and our connectedness to the world at large. The Museum values and respects its obligation to act as storytellers and recorders of the community's history, aspirations, achievements and disappointments.  To learn more about how to experience the vibrant history of the Waterloo Region, please visit: http://www.waterlooregionmuseum.com/

About Maple Leaf Foods
Maple Leaf Foods is a leading Canadian consumer protein company, making high quality, innovative products under national brands including Maple Leaf®, Maple Leaf Prime®, Maple Leaf Natural Selections®, Schneiders®, Schneiders Country Naturals® and Mina™. The Company employs approximately 12,000 people across Canada and exports to global markets, including the U.S. and Asia. The Company is headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario and its shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange (MFI).

SOURCE Maple Leaf Foods Inc.

Media Contact: Dave Bauer, Director, Public Affairs, 905-285-1510, [email protected]