BCLS and BCCS raise more than $241,000 for India COVID-19 Response Appeal, launches campaign in response to BC wildfires
BURNABY — Customers visiting BC Liquor Stores and BC Cannabis Stores have once again dug deep to give generously to an important cause.
From May 17 to June 26, customers visiting BC Liquor Stores (BCLS) and BC Cannabis Stores (BCCS) were invited to donate to support the Canadian Red Cross' COVID-19 response efforts in India, and collectively, the two public-run retail channels raised an incredible $241,607.
Donations made to this campaign will help the Canadian Red Cross provide COVID-19 preparedness, response and recovery activities in communities throughout India that have been severely affected by the pandemic.
"The Canadian Red Cross would like to express its gratitude and heartfelt appreciation to all the customers and staff at the BC Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB) for supporting the Canadian Red Cross India COVID-19 Appeal," said Patrick Quealey, vice-president, British Columbia and Yukon, Canadian Red Cross. "The overwhelming support for India is another reminder of how much we can accomplish when we unite to support others."
BCLS and BCCS recently launched another campaign in support of the Canadian Red Cross — this time raising funds to support BC Communities impacted by wildfires. For the duration of the campaign, customers visiting BCLS and BCCS will be invited to donate to the Red Cross' British Columbia Fires Appeal, with donations going directly to the Canadian Red Cross to support immediate and ongoing relief efforts in BC communities affected by wildfires. These efforts include long term recovery, resiliency and preparedness for future events in British Columbia and impacted regions, including consequential events to the fires.
Last week, the B.C. and federal governments announced that they would match donations made to the Canadian Red Cross, up to $20 million. This means the Canadian Red Cross will receive $3 for every $1 donated to BCLS and BCCS' BC Fires Appeal.
"The challenges of the last 18 months have shown just how important it is for us to come together to support one another — whether it be within our local communities or supporting those overseas facing humanitarian crisis," said Blain Lawson, general manager and CEO of the LDB. "We are proud to support the Canadian Red Cross in its mission to assist communities in need, and grateful to our customers for their overwhelming generosity, and to our employees for their commitment to championing these campaigns."
The LDB is an official Disaster Partner for the Canadian Red Cross. As a Disaster Partner, the LDB facilitates the collection of Red Cross donations from BCLS and BCCS customers throughout British Columbia after major disasters.
Since 2003, BCLS customers and employees have raised nearly $3 million to help the Canadian Red Cross provide disaster relief for humanitarian crises at home and abroad.
The LDB contributes over $1 billion annually to the Province of British Columbia. The contribution helps provide financial support for vital public services, including health care and education.
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