Fort McMurray donations at BC Liquor Stores triple over weekend

VANCOUVER — Close to a quarter of a million dollars have been donated by British Columbians at BC Liquor Stores for Fort McMurray wildfire relief efforts.

In just five days, the total amount raised rings in at over $240,000 — and British Columbians are encouraged to keep donating in increments of $2, $5 or greater to continue helping their neighbours in Alberta.

The funds raised will go directly to helping the Red Cross provide necessary emergency relief and assistance, as Alberta recovers and rebuilds from the effects of the devastating wildfires. This will continue to build on the $300,000 donation Premier Christy Clark announced on May 6, 2016, from the Government of British Columbia to the Canadian Red Cross to support relief efforts.

British Columbians who wish to contribute to the Canadian Red Cross campaign can do so by continuing to make a donation at a BC Liquor Store, or by donating directly to the Canadian Red Cross. Call toll-free to 1-800-418-1111 or donate online: http://ow.ly/YQT73000Q5s

Quotes:
Coralee Oakes, Minister of Small Business, Red Tape Reduction and Minister Responsible for
the Liquor Distribution Branch —
"We have seen an overwhelming amount of support from British Columbians as the people of Fort McMurray look to recover from the devastating fires. Thank you for your generosity and your commitment to helping our neighbours in Alberta."

Blain Lawson, general manager and CEO, Liquor Distribution Branch —
"In just five days, British Columbians have shown immense generosity and demonstrated that small individual contributions can really add up to make a big difference. Every dollar counts. Our partnership with the Red Cross continues, and I encourage our customers to continue opening their hearts and lending a helping hand, however they can, for our friends in Fort McMurray."

Quick Facts:

• BC Liquor Stores' customers and employees have supported Red Cross disaster relief for humanitarian crises at home and abroad since 2003, when stores first collected donations to support victims affected by catastrophic wildfires raging in British Columbia.
• Since then, more than $2 million has been raised for Red Cross humanitarian crises in Nepal, Haiti, Pakistan, Japan, Africa and Syria, as well as for disaster relief efforts in New Orleans and Alberta.
• In 2013, BC Liquor Stores collected more than $170,000 for Alberta Flood Relief.

Learn More:
Learn more about the BC Liquor Stores partnership with the Red Cross to support Fort McMurray:
http://www.bcliquorstores.com/promotion/red-cross-emergency-relief-fort-mcmurray-albertafires

Media Contacts:

April Kemick
BC Liquor Distribution Branch
604 252-3029

Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Small Business, Red Tape Reduction and Responsible for Liquor
778 678-1572