Starbucks® Canada celebrates its Global Month of Service in April with volunteer events across the country

Starbucks Canada partners, customers and local organizations come together to strengthen their communities by creating lasting and meaningful change

TORONTO, April 8, 2013 /CNW/ - April marks Starbucks Coffee Company's Global Month of Service and to celebrate in Canada,  Starbucks is inviting Canadian customers across the country to join its partners (employees) and local community groups for volunteer service projects across Canada.   Building on the success of the last two years, Starbucks Canada has set ambitious, record-breaking targets of 20,000 hours of service and 100 events across the country, as it expands its third-annual Global Month of Service and its entire 2013 community service agenda.   As part of the 2013 Global Month of Service activities, there will be three marquee events held in Vancouver (April 20), Toronto (April 27), and, for the first time, Montreal (April 28).

"Global Month of Service is an incredible opportunity for Starbucks partners and customers to drive positive, sustainable change in the communities where we live and work," says Luisa Girotto, public affairs director, Starbucks Canada. "It is a highlight in Starbucks annual commitment to making a local impact on a global scale. Now in its third year, Global Month of Service continues to grow in Canada with more events, enabling more partners and customers to contribute thousands of hours of service that will strengthen communities across the country."

Thousands of Starbucks partners, customers and community organizations around the world will be coming together in April to help make their individual communities stronger. Canadians who are interested in participating in a local service event can go to their nearest participating Starbucks® store or visit www.community.starbucks.com to find a project near them.

"Our partners' involvement in the neighborhoods we serve has always been at the core of our company's values," says Girotto. "We are proud of the difference our Canadian partners and customers are making during the month of April and throughout the year to inspire moments of connection where we work and live."

Starbucks Canada's Global Month of Service signature events in Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal will be held in collaboration with the following organizations:

• Strathcona Community Centre, Vancouver. In 2011, Vancouver became the first city in Canada to take part in Starbucks Global Month of Service. Continuing this tradition, volunteers will return to the Strathcona Community Centre on Saturday, April 20. This year's priorities include the complete make-over of the Garden-Play Space; the creation of an original work of art at the MacLean Park Spray Pool; rejuvenation of the activity room; the construction of garden and herb planters at MacLean House; and improvements to f the Youth Activity Lounge. Space is available for 325 partners and customers to participate.
• Harbourfront Community Centre, Toronto. This year, 350 volunteers and partners will build on last year's phenomenal success by revisiting Harbourfront Community Centre on Saturday, April 27. Volunteers will have an opportunity to help revamp the centre's activity rooms; lend a hand at Toronto Community Housing to build community gardens and courtyards and support community maintenance activities
• Dawson Community Centre, Montreal. Starbucks is thrilled to announce that in addition to local events in Quebec, it will host its first signature Global Month of Service event in Montreal.  This event is open to 100 partners and customers and will be held on Sunday, April 28^th at the Dawson Community Centre.    Partners and customers will join community centre staff to help rejuvenate the youth space through painting, building and assembly activities.

Starbucks is proud to support and strengthen our local communities. By 2015, Starbucks is aiming to reach one-million hours of worldwide service. As part of that goal, in Canada, Starbucks is targeting 50,000 service hours annually by 2015. Starbucks Canada's 2013 goal is 38,000 hours.   For more information about Global Month of Service, please visit www.community.starbucks.com and search for events in your neighbourhood.

About Starbucks Corporation

Since 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company has been committed to ethically sourcing and roasting the highest-quality arabica coffee. Today, with stores around the globe, the company is the premier roaster and retailer of specialty coffee in the world. Through our unwavering commitment to excellence and our guiding principles, we bring the unique Starbucks Experience to life for every customer through every cup. To share in the experience, please visit us in our stores or online at www.Starbucks.ca.

SOURCE: Starbucks Coffee Company

Contact:

Carly Suppa
Starbucks Coffee Company
[email protected]

Sarah Shelest
Edelman
416.849.8925
[email protected]