TORONTO, July 7, 2015 /CNW/ - Labatt Breweries of Canada normally brews some of Canada's favourite beer brands, but when there is a disaster, the company switches to producing drinking water. Labatt is providing 2,016 cases – or 48,000 cans – of emergency drinking water to the thousands of residents and fire fighters affected by forest fires in Saskatchewan, British Columbia and Alberta.
The first trucks loaded with water from Labatt will arrive in Cold Lake, AB on Wednesday. Further shipments will follow closely thereafter to B.C. and Alberta as needed. Labatt is coordinating with the provinces of Saskatchewan, B.C. and Alberta and local emergency coordination centres to deliver the water where it's needed most.
"When we learn of a need like this one, we're ready to deliver emergency drinking water instead of beer. Labatt and its employees are pleased to be able to help out during this very challenging time for everyone affected by the wild fires in Saskatchewan, B.C. and Alberta. We want everyone in the area to know that our thoughts are with them as they seek safety and return the area to normal," said Charlie Angelakos, vice president, corporate affairs, Labatt.
Labatt's Canadian Disaster Relief Program, established in 2012, is specifically designed to provide safe drinking water to Canadian communities that have experienced a natural disaster. The company cans its own water and maintains a constant inventory specifically for this purpose.
This is Labatt's third donation under its Disaster Relief Program. In the summers of 2013 and 2014, the company donated emergency drinking water in response to flooding in southern Alberta and Manitoba, respectively.
"Right now, Labatt's priority is to leverage our systems and resources to get safe drinking water to the people and workers in affected areas of western Canada," said Angelakos. "Labatt has been a part of Canada for almost 170 years, and it is in our DNA to provide support to the community whenever we are able to."
About Labatt Breweries of Canada
Labatt Breweries is one of Canada's founding businesses and oldest brewers. Established by John Kinder Labatt in London, Ontario in 1847, Labatt today has more than 3,000 employees and six breweries across the country and a portfolio of 60 quality beers, including Budweiser, Alexander Keith's, Labatt Blue, Kokanee, Stella Artois and Corona. As a part of the Anheuser-Busch InBev family, Labatt is committed to being The Best Beer Company Bringing People Together for a Better World, making a positive contribution through multiple programs that support its communities, promote responsible drinking and protect the environment.
SOURCE Labatt Breweries of Canada
Image with caption: "Labatt is providing 48,000 cans of emergency drinking water to the residents and fire fighters affected by forest fires in Saskatchewan, British Columbia and Alberta. (CNW Group/Labatt Breweries of Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20150707_C4653_PHOTO_EN_437765.jpg
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