Kretschmar, a Division of Premium Brands Operating Limited Partnership receives Fire Safety Award

TORONTO, Oct. 26, 2011 /CNW/ - Kretschmar received a Fire Safety Award today.  The annual Fire Safety Awards ceremony, hosted by the Fire Marshal's Public Fire Safety Council, recognizes the outstanding contributions to fire protection and prevention in Ontario.

For 12 years the family-owned Kretschmar, a Division of Premium Brands Operating Limited Partnership has been donating meat products for Toronto Fire Services fire safety initiatives without any kind of formal recognition or remuneration.  The value of these donations has totalled more than $20,000.

Over the years the partnership with Toronto Fire Services has thrived.  Kretschmar has been a member of Toronto Fire Services' Safety Awareness Week Committee and their 'Risk Watch Safety Nights' for the past three years and has also been a part of Fire Prevention Week initiatives for more than four years. Often the company donates more than $1,000 of product for each special event barbecue and has even made arrangements to provide more expensive Halal products to meet the needs of Toronto families.  These donations have provided a 'draw' for families to participate at events and aided the fire service in raising awareness about fire and life safety to diverse audiences.  Even in times of economic downturn, the company has contributed to events and when asked to accept payment, or be acknowledged for their efforts through signage, has declined.

"This company is enabling Toronto Fire Services to reach more families in the community," said Ontario Fire Marshal Ted Wieclawek. "Together they are influencing positive change by getting children and their parents involved in fire and life safety; a safer community is being created."

Fire departments throughout the province nominated 19 individuals and organizations for this year's awards.  Two more recipients were chosen by the Fire Marshal of Ontario to receive the Fire Marshal's Award for Excellence in Fire Safety.

For further information:

Denise Wallace, Office of the Fire Marshal, 416-325-1911