LCBO stores raise funds for Threads of Life

TORONTO, May 1, 2012 /CNW/ - Starting April 29, the public can help support Threads of Life by making a donation at any of the more than 620 LCBO stores throughout Ontario. Donation boxes for the Association for Workplace Tragedy Family Support (known as Threads of Life) will be displayed at LCBO checkout counters until May 26.

Threads of Life supports the healing journey of families who have suffered from a workplace fatality, traumatic life-altering injury, or occupational disease. It supports more than 1,200 family members across Canada. LCBO donations will be used to provide one-on-one peer support to these families in Ontario and annual regional family forums where families attend to learn healthy coping skills.

"We appreciate the support we receive from LCBO, its employees and especially its customers. LCBO's stores and supportive staff enable us to raise significant funds and increase public awareness of our charity," says Shirley Hickman, Executive Director, Threads of Life. "LCBO's participation in our Steps for Life walk on May 6 will help drive home the importance of injury prevention for all workplaces and raise funds for families of workplace tragedy."

"LCBO is pleased to partner with Threads of Life and provide support to a variety of worthy causes," says LCBO President & CEO Bob Peter. "Generous LCBO customers and staff improve the lives of countless Ontarians and help communities throughout the province."

Threads of Life is one of 28 provincial, as well as numerous local charities, that will benefit from LCBO's province-wide donation box program in 2012. In 2011, LCBO raised a total of more than $6.2 million for charities through special programs and initiatives, of which $5.7 million was raised through in-store fundraising. In addition, LCBO's annual dividend transfer to the Ontario government, which totaled $1.55 billion in fiscal 2010-11, excluding taxes, supports a wide range of important government programs, services and priorities, including health care and education.

Threads of Life thanks the public for its support when shopping at their local LCBO store during May.

For further information:

Media Contacts:

Suzan Butyn 
Threads of Life Program Manager, Marketing & Communications 
Tel: [phone]; E-mail: [e-mail] 

Stephanie Petroff
LCBO Senior Communications Consultant 
Tel: [phone]; E-mail: [e-mail]