Thanks Western Canada! More than a half million dollars raised to help kids reach their full potential

CALGARY, 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 like Real Canadian Superstore^®, Real Canadian Wholesale Club^®, Extra Foods^® and nofrills^®, across Western Canada has raised more than $652,000. All money raised will go toward supporting Western 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 Loblaw customers across Western Canada has always been tremendous, but this year's spring campaign has been the best one so far," said Marlin Krieger, member of President's Choice^® Children's Charity Board of Directors and vice-president, nofrills^®, Western Canada, Loblaw Companies Limited (Loblaw).

Monies raised through campaigns like this help children like Hannah, who need special educational and therapeutic tools to help her learn.

"Hannah was diagnosed with autism when she was two, making all aspects of her life more difficult than others, so donations like this means a lot to us," said Barb, Hannah's mother, "The gift of an iPad and other educational and therapeutic tools from President's Choice^® Children's Charity will enhance her learning for sure."

Funds raised also go towards fighting childhood hunger through nutrition programs at local schools like Bayside Middle School, located in Victoria.

"The support received from President's Choice^® Children's Charity through their sponsorship of Breakfast for Learning helps us feed the hungry students in our school. It is so comforting to know that because of their generous contribution we are able to make a difference in the lives of our students and help them reach their goals.  President's Choice^® Children's Charity's support puts smiles on kids' faces every day and for that we are most grateful," says Shirley Elm, principal, Bayside Middle School, Victoria, BC.

In Western Canada, Real Canadian Superstore^®, Real Canadian Wholesale Club^®, Extra Foods^® and nofrills^® 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 $210,000 to 28 families and another $1.2 million to 1,076 nutrition programs that serve over 98,640 students across Western Canada.

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 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 loyalty program.

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]
[phone]