BC Liquor Stores customers donated over $170,000 as part of a summer campaign to assist people affected by devastating floods in Alberta. One hundred per cent of these funds have been forwarded to the Canadian Red Cross Alberta Flood Relief Fund.

The donated money helped the Canadian Red Cross to:

• Distribute nearly one million relief supplies such as clean-up kits, medicine and food.

• Manage or support 16 shelters.

• Support more than 98,000 individuals through a call centre with registration services, early-recovery assistance, family reunification and general information.

From June 29 until Aug. 10, 2013, customers at all 195 BC Liquor Stores were provided with the opportunity to make a donation at the checkout and thousands chose to contribute to the relief effort.

The Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB) has a long-term partnership with the Canadian Red Cross. Since 2010, BC Liquor Stores customers and employees have supported a number of disaster-relief campaigns by contributing over $1 million for humanitarian assistance.

Quotes:

Attorney General and Minister of Justice Suzanne Anton -

"British Columbians are generous individuals and we should be proud of the assistance that has been provided to people affected by disasters - here at home and around the world. This year, we had the opportunity to assist our neighbours in Alberta after they experienced devastating floods. Hopefully, their recovery process will be made a little easier through our support."

LDB general manager and chief executive officer Blain Lawson -

"BC Liquor Stores is proud to do its part to assist Albertans who were affected by flooding. Providing the Canadian Red Cross with disaster relief fundraising support fits our organizational goal of being a socially responsible business. On behalf of everyone at the Liquor Distribution Branch, I would like to thank all of our customers and employees for their contribution."

Red Cross provincial director, B.C. & Yukon Kimberley Nemrava -

"Red Cross is grateful for the support provided by the Liquor Distribution Branch and its customers. Our work depends on the generosity of the public. We are committed to helping the people of Alberta over the long term, and we encourage people across the country to continue to support us as we begin our recovery work."

Quick Facts:

• The LDB activates its fundraising system in its BC Liquor Stores when the Canadian Red Cross requests support in its efforts to respond to natural disasters both here at home and abroad.

• In 2011, BC Liquor Stores customers and employees supported Red Cross humanitarian relief efforts for Japan and the Horn of Africa, collecting over $298,000 for Japan and $323,000 for Africa.

• BC Liquor Stores 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).

Contact:

Vince Cournoyer
Communications Manager
BC Liquor Distribution Branch
604 252-2874