EDMONTON, Nov. 6, 2013 /CNW/ - Today, President's Choice® Children's Charity announced more than $1.1 million in funding to Boys & Girls Clubs of Canada and Breakfast for Learning to provide healthy meals and snacks to more than 50,000 kids each day during the 2013/14 school year.
A portion of the Boys and Girls Club of Canada gift is also earmarked to complete needed kitchen renovations at Clubs across the province.
A gift ceremony took place at Boys and Girls Clubs Big Brothers Big Sisters of Edmonton & Area during the after-school snack program in the presence of Alberta's Associate Minister of Wellness, Dave Rodney, Boys and Girls Club kids, as well as representatives and friends of the Loblaw Companies Limited, Boys & Girls Clubs of Canada and Breakfast for Learning.
"We know that healthy foods are important building blocks of healthy lives and critical for our children's educational success," said Alberta's Associate Minister of Wellness Dave Rodney. "By investing in student nutrition programs, the President's Choice® Children's Charity is investing in a healthier tomorrow for our children."
The gift was made by President's Choice® Children's Charity's Executive Director, Peggy Hornell.
"One in 10 children in Canada living below the poverty line is a bit shocking. It's great to know that through our partnerships with Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada and Breakfast for Learning we are able to help young people with a healthy snack or meal as part of their day."
Kristen Wilson, Program Coordinator from Breakfast for Learning attended the ceremony to accept the $513,600 gift on behalf of the charity.
"Ensuring children are well-nourished gives them the best chance of success now in school and in the future. President's Choice® Children's Charity's generous support will allow us to feed thousands of children through school nutrition programs across Alberta."
Danisha Bhaloo, Fund Development Manager was also present to accept the $587,500 gift on behalf of Boys and Girls Club of Canada.
"Finding a sense of belonging and security through membership at a Boys & Girls Club can be transformative for a child. Having a safe place to be after school where they know they can get snacks and hot meals as well as a broad range of educational and recreational programs, supports their ability to perform and connect in other areas of their lives. The $587,500 gift presented to us today from the President's Choice® Children's Charity will allow us to make needed renovation in our club kitchens and to continue to provide healthy snacks and nutritional education for all of our Club Kids across Alberta."
Following the gift ceremony the Boys and Girls Club kids and guests were treated to a healthy snack of PC® Fruit and Veggie Juice, PC® Whole Grain Cereal Bars and apples before returning to their after school activities.
One hundred per cent of funds raised for President's Choice® Children's Charity by Loblaw banner stores like Your Independent Grocer®, Real Canadian Superstore®, Real Canadian Wholesale Club™, Extra Foods® and nofrills® go directly to helping kids in communities across Alberta. In 2012, the Charity awarded $13 million, supporting more than 283,000 children across Canada.
Make a Positive Difference in the Community is one of the five corporate social responsibility principles that shape the way Loblaw conducts business. Fundraising initiatives in support of President's Choice® Children's Charity is just one example of how Loblaw banner stores continue to be active in communities on national, regional and local levels.
About President's Choice® Children's Charity
President's Choice® Children's Charity is committed to helping children across Canada, with a focus on supporting children with disabilities and fighting childhood hunger. The cost of administration and operations of the Charity is funded by Loblaw Companies Limited, ensuring that 100 per cent of every dollar donated goes to helping kids and their families. The Charity offers funding across Canada and dollars are granted in the region in which they are raised. Since 1989, the Charity has awarded more than $86 million, supporting more than 1.3 million children. For more information on the President's Choice® Children's Charity or to donate online, visit pc.ca/charity.
About Loblaw Companies Limited (TSX: L)
Loblaw Companies Limited, a subsidiary of George Weston Limited, is Canada's largest food retailer 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 more than 134,000 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®, no name® and Joe Fresh® brands. In addition, the Company makes available to consumers President's Choice Financial® services and offers the PC® points and PC Plus™ loyalty program.
Image with caption: "President's Choice Children's Charity announced $1.1 million in funding to Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada and Breakfast for Learning to provide more than 50,000 kids across Alberta healthy meals and snacks each day. A portion of the Boys and Girls Clubs gift is also earmarked to complete needed kitchen renovations at Clubs across the province. (CNW Group/President's Choice Children's Charity)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20131106_C4178_PHOTO_EN_33073.jpg
SOURCE: President's Choice Children's Charity
For more information or to schedule an interview:
Loblaw Public Relations on behalf of President's Choice® Children's Charity
[email protected] or (905) 459-2500
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