Stella Artois Launches Canadian Effort To Help End The Global Water Crisis In Partnership With Matt Damon And Gary White's Water.org

Stella Artois calls on Canadians to be the generation to end the global water crisis by purchasing one of three Limited-Edition Chalices to help provide five years of clean water for one person in the developing world

TORONTO, Jan. 25, 2017 /CNW/ - Today in Canada, in collaboration with Water.org co-founded by Matt Damon and Gary White, Stella Artois launched the "Buy a Lady a Drink," campaign to drive awareness of the global water crisis in developing countries.  The social impact campaign is part of a new multi-year global partnership that aims to help provide 3.5 million people with long-term, sustainable access to clean water by 2020.

"Stella Artois is proud to partner with a true leader in development of long-term solutions to the global water crisis," said Todd Allen, vice president, marketing for Labatt Breweries. "The addition of Canada to this global initiative is an incredible opportunity for consumers to mobilize, create a movement for change and be a part of the generation that ends the global water crisis."

One in 10 people in the developing world lack access to safe water. Every day, women around the world spend a combined 200 million hours collecting clean water for their families.

"I have four daughters and it is tough to imagine them having to walk for hours every day to get clean water, as so many women around the world do," said Matt Damon, co-founder of Water.org. "We want to put an end to these journeys. Through our partnership with Stella Artois, we're inviting consumers around the world to help us do this."

Canadians can help support the initiative by purchasing one of three Limited-Edition Chalices featuring unique designs by three influential artists – Lisa Mam from Cambodia, Fernando Chamerelli from Brazil and Eria Nsubuga from Uganda. Each design reflects the artist's experience and artistic interpretation of the global water crisis in their country and represents one of the countries where Water.org provides support. The exclusive Stella Artois Chalices will be available for purchase at LCBO stores in Ontario and online nationally via www.BuyALadyADrink.ca.

"It is unnecessary and unacceptable that every 90 seconds a child dies from a water-related disease," said Gary White, CEO and co-founder of Water.org. "We need partners and committed resources – both human and capital – to help end the global water crisis."

Since the global introduction of the "Buy a Lady a Drink" campaign two years ago, Stella Artois has helped Water.org provide more than 800,000 people in the developing world with access to five years of clean water, through the sale of more than 225,000 Limited-Edition Chalices and by directly donating more than $3 million to Water.org. This year, the reach and scale of the campaign will be greatly expanded through the increased investments and addition of new countries participating in the program, including Canada as well as Brazil, Chile, and Uruguay).

Join the conversation online @StellaArtois #1Chalice5Years

About Stella Artois
Stella Artois® is part of a Belgian brewing tradition dating back to 1366. It is the No. 1 Belgian beer in the world and is present in 95 countries. Stella Artois is a bottom filtered, blonde pilsner. It is thirst quenching with a malty middle and crisp finish delivering a full flavour and a hint of bitterness. Stella Artois is best enjoyed served between 3 and 5 degree Celsius and should be served in the unique Stella Artois Chalice according to the 9-Step Pouring Ritual to guarantee a perfect experience of this gold standard lager.  Visit www.stellaartois.com for more information.

About Water.org
For more than 20 years, Water.org has been at the forefront of developing and delivering solutions to the global water crisis. Founded by Gary White and Matt Damon, Water.org pioneers innovative, community-driven and market-based initiatives to ensure all people have access to safe water and sanitation -- giving women hope, children health and communities a future. To date, Water.org has positively transformed the lives of more than 5 million people around the world, ensuring a better life for generations ahead. Learn more at www.water.org | www.waterequity.org | www.facebook.com/water.

SOURCE Stella Artois

To view this news release in HTML formatting, please use the following URL: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/January2017/25/c8834.html

Tamar Nersesian, Labatt Breweries of Canada, [email protected], 416-361-5247; Rosemary Gudelj, Water.org, [email protected]