Moose Jaw store challenges Western Canada to bring in more money for kids

CALGARY, Sept. 26, 2014 /CNW/ - Grocery stores from across Alberta have taken up a fundraising challenge issued by the Real Canadian Superstore® in Moose Jaw Saskatchewan to raise more than $11,000 each for President's Choice^® Children's Charity by October 9. Last year the Real Canadian Superstore® in Moose Jaw had the best customer participation rates in Western Canada.

Starting September 26, Real Canadian Superstore®, Extra Foods®, Wholesale Club® and nofrills® will start asking for donations at the cash register as part of the charity's customer campaign. All funds raised will go directly to nutrition programs aimed to fight childhood hunger, as well as specialized equipment for children with disabilities.

"This year we are asking our customers to help us raise more than $2.6 million and we're happy to see our top stores from last year challenging others to do even better," said Peggy Hornell, Executive Director, President's Choice® Children's Charity. "We're eager to find out whether last year's biggest contributors will come out on top again."

The three stores with the best participation rates in Western Canada during last-year's campaign were:

1. Real Canadian Superstore®, Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan
2. Baron's nofrills®, Vegreville, Alberta
3. Extra Foods®, Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan

"We are very grateful when customers make a donation at the cash register since they help us provide nourishment to children who might otherwise go the whole day without eating a nutritious meal," said Pam Jolliffe, President and CEO, Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada. "Our partnership with President's Choice Children's Charity is an essential ingredient for the success of our programs across Canada."

Customers aren't the only ones committed to donating, in conjunction with this year's campaign Loblaw colleagues are aiming to donate $1.7 million. President's Choice^® Children's Charity fundraising is just one example of how Loblaw banner stores continue to play an active role in their communities.

For more information about President's Choice^® Children's Charity or to apply for a grant please visit www.pc.ca/charity or call 1-866-996-9918.

About President's Choice^® Children's Charity
President's Choice^® Children's Charity is celebrating 25 years committed to helping children across Canada, with a focus on supporting children with disabilities and fighting childhood hunger. The cost of administration and operations of the charity is funded by Loblaw Companies Limited, ensuring that 100 per cent of every dollar donated goes to helping kids and their families. The charity offers funding across Canada and dollars are granted in the region in which they are raised. Since 1989, the charity has awarded more than $100 million, supporting more than 1.8 million children. For more information on the President's Choice^® Children's Charity or to donate online, visit pc.ca/charity.

About Loblaw Companies Limited (TSX: L)
Loblaw Companies Limited is Canada's food and pharmacy leader, the nation's largest retailer, and the majority unit holder of Choice Properties Real Estate Investment Trust. Loblaw provides Canadians with grocery, pharmacy, health and beauty, apparel, general merchandise, banking, and wireless mobile products and services. With more than 2,300 corporate, franchised and Associate-owned locations, Loblaw, its franchisees, and Associate-owners employ approximately 192,000 full- and part-time employees, making it one of Canada's largest private sector employers.

Loblaw's purpose - Live Life Well - puts first the needs and well-being of Canadians who make one billion transactions annually in the companies' stores. Loblaw is positioned to meet and exceed those needs in many ways: convenient locations; more than 1,050 grocery stores that span the value spectrum from discount to specialty; full-service pharmacies at more than 1,250 Shoppers Drug Mart® and Pharmaprix® locations and more than 500 Loblaw locations; no-fee banking with President's Choice Financial®; affordable Joe Fresh® fashion and family apparel; and three of Canada's top consumer brands in Life Brand®, noname® and President's Choice®. Through the PC Plus™ and Shoppers Optimum® loyalty programs, more than one in every three Canadians are rewarded for shopping with the companies.

SOURCE: Loblaw Companies Limited

or to schedule an interview:
Loblaw Public Relations on behalf of President's Choice^® Children's Charity
[email protected]
[phone] x617450