VANCOUVER - BC Liquor Store customers can support Red Cross flood relief efforts in Alberta by making a donation at any of the 195 BC Liquor Stores located in communities throughout the province. These donations will help provide people with necessary emergency relief, medical treatment and assistance to recover from the effects of the flooding.

From June 29 until Aug. 10, customers may make donations of $2 or $5 - or multiples thereof - at all checkouts in BC Liquor Stores.

The BC Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB) has a long-term partnership with the Canadian Red Cross. Due to the size and scope of the damage from flooding in Alberta, the Canadian Red Cross requested that the LDB activate its fundraising system.

Since 2010, BC Liquor Store customers and employees have supported disaster relief by contributing over $840,000 for humanitarian crises in Haiti, Pakistan, Japan and Africa. BC Liquor Store customers and employees have also supported disaster relief efforts closer to home, like B.C.'s wildfires, Hurricane Katrina and now, flooding in Alberta.

Quotes:

Attorney General and Minister of Justice Suzanne Anton -

"It was very shocking to see the images of Alberta. Many British Columbians know Calgary well and have friends and family who are not only affected by the flooding in Alberta, but who also face a difficult recovery process. Being a good neighbour means being there in times of crisis. Our government has made offers to help and I hope the generosity of British Columbians will also help make this process a little easier."

LDB General Manager and Chief Executive Officer Blain Lawson -

"BC Liquor Stores prides itself on being a good neighbour in the communities where it operates throughout British Columbia. Being a good neighbour means helping each other out in times of need. For the next six weeks, I would like to encourage all BC Liquor Store customers and our employees to show their support for our neighbours in Alberta."

Director, B.C. & Yukon Red Cross Kimberley Nemrava -

"Canadian Red Cross is extremely grateful for the support from BC Liquor Stores. Our work on the ground in Alberta depends on the generosity of the public. The floods caused significant devastation and Red Cross is committed to being there for the long-term. We encourage communities across the country to join Red Cross in helping the people of Alberta recover."

Quick Facts:

• In 2011, BC Liquor Store customers and employees supported Red Cross humanitarian relief efforts for Japan and the Horn of Africa. These campaigns collected over $298,000 (Japan) and $323,000 (Africa).

• BC Liquor Stores also participated in Red Cross relief efforts following the B.C. Wildfires (2003), Indonesian Tsunami (2005), Hurricane Katrina (2005), Haiti Earthquake (2010) and Pakistani floods (2010).

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

Learn More:

The provincial government is offering a variety of front-line assistance to its neighbours as the full impact of severe flooding in Calgary and other communities in southern Alberta becomes clearer. Further information is at www.newsroom.gov.bc.ca/ministries/justice/factsheets/bc-flood-support-to-alberta.html

Contact:

Tarina Palmer
Senior Communications Program Officer
BC Liquor Distribution Branch
604 252-3028 or 604 362-4984

Government Communications and Public Engagement|
Ministry of Justice
250 356-6961