Effective immediately, BC Liquor Stores customers can help support Red Cross relief efforts in Japan by making donations at any of the 197 BC Liquor Stores located in communities across British Columbia.

Customers can make donations of $2.00 or $5.00 - or multiples thereof - at all BC Liquor Stores checkouts. All donations go to the Canadian Red Cross Japan Earthquake Fund.

Last year, BC Liquor Stores collected donations from customers and employees for the Canadian Red Cross Society's disaster relief campaigns following the earthquake in Haiti and the floods in Pakistan. A total of $555,000 was collected in those efforts, which was matched by the federal government.

Quote:

Shirley Bond, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General -

"We know British Columbians are compassionate and want to help the Japanese people get through the aftermath of the incredible destruction left by the earthquake. Donations, large or small, make a big difference so I encourage British Columbians to make a donation when they visit their government liquor store. I also want to thank the BC Liquor Stores team for providing this important opportunity."

Quick Facts:

* BC Liquor Stores also participated in the Red Cross campaigns following the BC Wildfires (2003), Indonesian Tsunami (2004-05) and Hurricane Katrina (2005).

* BC Liquor Stores are unable to issue tax receipts for donations. Customers who require tax receipts should donate directly to the Canadian Red Cross.

Contact:

Tarina Palmer

A/Manager Communications

Liquor Distribution Branch

604 252-3034

Connect with the Province of B.C. at: www.gov.bc.ca/connect