WN George Weston Ltd

BRAMPTON, ON, Aug. 7, 2012 /CNW/ -   - More than $8.6 million was raised and contributed by Loblaw Companies Limited (Loblaw) in 2011 through efforts of its customers, colleagues, franchisees and their employees in Ontario.  A reflection of the Company's commitment to making a positive difference in communities, these funds supported hundreds of local families, charities and not-for-profit organizations across the province. In Ontario, Loblaw banner stores include Loblaws(®), Loblaw greatfood(®), Zehrs(®), Zehrs greatfood(™), Fortinos(®), Real Canadian Superstore(®), valu-mart(®), Your Independent Grocer(™), nofrills(® , )Cash & Carry(™) and Real Canadian Wholesale Club(®). Overall in 2011, Loblaw fundraised and donated $38.7 million nationally. Loblaw giving focuses on four key areas: President's Choice(®) Children's Charity, healthy active kids, feeding our neighbours and greening our communities. In Ontario -- President's Choice® Children's Charity granted over $5.3 million to fund 896 grants for children with disabilities and $1.08 million to fund 1,900 nutrition programs. -- Loblaw supports a wide-range of programs and initiatives that reflect the unique needs of each community. An additional $2.16 million was granted to support community led efforts such as local food banks, KidSport Ontario, children's hospitals and the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign. -- Loblaw also supported various emergency relief efforts. For example, when a powerful tornado hit the town of Goderich, Ontario in August 2011, the local Zehrs Markets® store was transformed into a disaster relief hub for the community. Supported by store colleagues, Loblaw contributed more than $20,000 to the community through the donation of trucks for storing refrigerated supplies, an ice cream truck with $5,000 worth of ice cream products, a beef truck containing 400 pounds of beef, President's Choice® and Joe Fresh™ gift cards, water and other miscellaneous supplies. "Loblaw is committed to making a difference in local communities we serve and supporting issues that impact Canadians," said Peggy Hornell, senior director, President's Choice(®) Children's Charity and Community Investment, Loblaw Companies Limited.  "We are very proud of the way our stores, colleagues and customers have come together to raise funds for organizations and programs that are changing lives." National Mandate Focused on helping children live to their full potential, President's Choice(®) Children's Charity, one of the largest corporate charities in Canada, has granted $10.6 million to more than 1,800 children with disabilities and their families across Canada. Grants typically supported the purchase of assistive devices, vehicle adaptations, developmental and physical therapy, camp tuition, home improvements, and respite care. President's Choice(®) Children's Charity also granted $2.75 million to support more than 4,000 nutrition programs across the country through its relationships with Breakfast for Learning and Boys & Girls Clubs of Canada. Other organizations and programs that benefited from Loblaw fundraising efforts and corporate donations include: WWF-Canada, Food Banks Canada, Tree Canada, Trans Canada Trail, SickKids Hospital, Start2Finish, YMCA Strong Kids Campaign, Toronto Foundation for Student Success - Beyond 3:30 Program, and Meal Exchange -Trick or Eat. Loblaw is committed to being active in communities at the national, regional and local levels and the Company views this as an integral component to the success of its business. The commitment to making a positive difference in our community represents one of five Corporate Social Responsibility principles that shape the way Loblaw conducts business, which also includes respect the environment, source with integrity, reflect our nation's diversity and be a great place to work. For more information visit loblaw.ca/CSR For more information about President's Choice(®) Children's Charity and to apply for a grant please visit pc.ca/charity or call 1-866-996-9918 Loblaw banner stores include Loblaws(®), Loblaw greatfood(®), Zehrs(®), Zehrs greatfood(™), Fortinos(®), Real Canadian Superstore(®), valu-mart(®), Your Independent Grocer(™), nofrills(®), Cash & Carry(™) Real Canadian Wholesale Club(®), Atlantic Superstore(®), Dominion(® )(in Newfoundland and Labrador), SaveEasy(®), Provigo(MD), Maxi(MD), Maxi&Cie(MD), Extra Foods(®) and more. For more information, visit pc.ca. About President's Choice(®) Children's Charity President's Choice(®) Children's Charity is committed to helping children across Canada, with a focus on children with disabilities and childhood nutrition. The Charity supports children with disabilities directly through financial grants and as the National Premier Sponsor of Breakfast for Learning shares a vision dedicated to improving the lives of children. 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 directly 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 $72 million, reaching more than 10,000 families. For more information on the President's Choice(®)( )Children's Charity or to donate online, visit pc.ca/charity. About Loblaw Companies Limited   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 135 000 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. Loblaw Companies Limited CONTACT: For more information or to schedule an interview:President's Choice(R) Children's Charity media contact:Loblaw Public Relations on behalf of President's Choice(R) Children'sCharitypr@loblaw.ca(905) 459-2500President's Choice(R) Children's Charity grant information contact:Peggy HornellSenior DirectorPresident's Choice(R) Children's Charity(905) 459-2500 x. 613626pc.ca/charity

Copyright