BC Liquor Store customers and staff have generously donated over $298,000 to help support Red Cross relief efforts in Japan.

BC Liquor Stores collected the donations between March 21 and May 3, 2011 at their 197 locations. The funds raised have been added to the Canadian Red Cross Japan Earthquake Relief Fund.

Donations to the Canadian Red Cross have provided more than 192,000 blankets, 183,000 pieces of clothing, 26,000 emergency relief kits and 11,000 evacuees have been given sleeping kits. Efforts are now shifting from emergency response to early recovery and will include the provision of 70,000 transitional homes benefiting 280,000 people.

The Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB) is committed to corporate social responsibility. The LDB has a long-term partnership with the Canadian Red Cross that over the years has helped raise funds to assist people in numerous countries recover from natural disasters.

The LDB also sponsors and participates in a number of programs and initiatives that further its public safety goal to promote the responsible use of alcohol such as Get Home Safe and Operation Red Nose.

Quotes:

Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Shirley Bond:

"I commend BC Liquor Stores customers and staff for their generous contribution to the Red Cross effort in Japan. This will make a positive difference in the rebuilding effort that's taking place following the devastating earthquake."

Kimberley Nemrava, director, B.C. & Yukon, Canadian Red Cross:

"It is truly heart-warming to see the generosity towards people affected by this devastating earthquake and tsunami. On behalf of the many people who will receive essential supplies and support from the Japanese Red Cross, our sincere thanks to the BC Liquor Distribution Branch and to the many customers who donated."

Quick Facts:

* In March of this year, the B.C. Government provided $500,000 to the Canadian Red Cross in support of emergency relief efforts in Japan.

* In April of this year, the Province provided an additional $500,000 to the Canadian Red Cross to match the donation made by five B.C. forest companies.

* Last year $550,000 was collected for the Canadian Red Cross through BC Liquor Stores to assist in Haiti and Pakistan following natural disasters in those countries.

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

Learn More:

For information on how to donate to the Canadian Red Cross Japan Earthquake Relief Fund or to other current Red Cross appeals, please visit the Canadian Red Cross website at: www.redcross.ca

Contact:

Tarina Palmer

A/Manager Communications

B.C. Liquor Distribution Branch

604 252-3034

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