BC Liquor Stores collect donations for Horn of Africa relief

VANCOUVER – Beginning today (Aug.5, 2011), BC Liquor Store customers can help support Red Cross drought relief efforts in the Horn of Africa (which includes Somalia, Kenya, Djibouti, Ethiopia and Uganda) by making donations at any of the 197 BC Liquor Stores located in communities across British Columbia.
 

These donations will provide men, women and children with necessary emergency relief, medical treatment and assistance to recover their livelihoods.
 

Until Thursday, Sept. 15, customers are able to make donations of $2 or $5 – or multiples thereof – at all BC Liquor Store checkouts. All provincial donations will be matched by the Government of Canada.
 

The Liquor Distribution Branch has a long-term partnership with the Canadian Red Cross. Since 2010, BC Liquor Store customers and employees have helped to raise over $840,000 for humanitarian crises in Haiti, Pakistan and Japan.
 

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

“We have all been moved by the terrible circumstances that the families of the Horn of Africa are facing. Once again, BC Liquor Stores will be collecting much-needed donations to provide relief for children and their families. Thank you to BC Liquor store employees for making this a priority.”
Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Shirley Bond –
 

Quick Facts:

Last year, over $298,000 was collected for the Canadian Red Cross through BC Liquor Stores to assist Japan following the earthquake/tsunami.

BC Liquor Stores also participated in Canadian Red Cross relief efforts following the British Columbia wildfires (2003), Indonesian tsunami (2005), Hurricane Katrina (2005), Haitian earthquake (2010) and Pakistani floods (2010).
 

Contact:

Michele Mackintosh
Manager of Communications
BC Liquor Distribution Branch
604 252-3029
 

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