Thanks Atlantic Canada! Almost half a million dollars raised to help kids reach their full potential

HALIFAX, NS, April 8, 2013 /CNW/ - President's Choice^® Children's Charity announces that its two-week Your Small Change Can Make a Big One customer campaign held at participating Loblaw banner grocery stores in the region, like Atlantic Superstore^®, nofrills^®, Cash & Carry, Dominion^® and SaveEasy^® has raised $470,000. All money raised will go toward supporting Atlantic Canadian families whose children have physical or developmental disabilities, as well as nutrition programs aimed at fighting childhood hunger. Nationally, the campaign raised $2.64 million.

"The support from our customers across Atlantic Canada has always been tremendous, but this year's spring campaign has been the best one so far," said Colin Nicolle, member of President's Choice^® Children's Charity Board of Directors and vice-president at Loblaw Companies Limited (Loblaw) in Atlantic Canada.

Monies raised through campaigns like this help children like Hayden Astel, who recently needed assistance with a guide dog.

Hayden' mother Corrie says that the guide dog has been life changing for Hayden. "Hayden wouldn't be doing as well as he is without the help from President's Choice^® Children's Charity," says Corrie. "We can do more things as a family. We can go out in the public. Before, someone would stay home with Hayden and we would have to take turns going out. Now, Hayden can participate in the community." 

Funds raised also go towards fighting childhood hunger through nutrition programs at local schools like Cunard Junior High School, located in Halifax.

"The support received from President's Choice^® Children's Charity through their sponsorship of Breakfast for Learning is an important contribution to the students at Cunard Junior High School breakfast program.  Being able to provide healthy food options to the students has a positive impact on our students' daily performance.  When students are well nourished they are better able to engage in their learning.  We are very grateful for the difference they are making for our students," says Karyn Cooling, principal, Cunard Junior High School, Halifax, Nova Scotia.

In Atlantic Canada, Atlantic Superstore^®, nofrills^®, Cash & Carry, Dominion^®(in Newfoundland and Labrador) and SaveEasy^®are Loblaw Companies banner stores. The Your Small Change Can Make a Big One customer campaign is just one of many initiatives that Loblaw banner stores have in place to raise funds for President's Choice^® Children's Charity. To date in 2013, thanks to the generosity of customers, donors and the support of colleagues, President's Choice^® Children's Charity has awarded $52,000 to 8 families and another $920,000 to 518 nutrition programs that serve over 53,000 students across the region.

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, reaching more than 15,500 families. 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 than134,000 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 loyalty program.

SOURCE: President's Choice Children's Charity

or to schedule an interview:
Loblaw Public Relations on behalf of President's Choice^®Children's Charity
Mark Boudreau, Director, Corporate Affairs
[email protected]  or [phone] ext. 4063
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