Feed Ontario and the emergency fund of United Way will receive additional financial support to meet increased needs in Ontario communities
Toronto, April 6, 2020 – METRO announces a donation of $500,000 to Feed Ontario and United Way, along with a pledge to match customer donations of up to $500,000 in support of its Together We Can toonie-fundraising campaign. Starting today, until April 30, METRO will be appealing to the generosity of its Metro and Food Basics customers inviting them to donate a toonie at checkout in stores.
METRO is committed to helping Ontario communities during the COVID-19 pandemic who are struggling with food insecurity and other essential services which also include eldercare and mental health support.
“At METRO we are committed to do everything we can to support communities in need across Ontario during the COVID-19 pandemic. The idea of Together We Can has never been more true and I am proud that Metro and Food Basics, with the help of our customers, can truly make a difference during these difficult times,” says Carmen Fortino, Executive Vice President, Ontario Division Head and National Supply Chain, METRO.
In order to take immediate action, METRO has chosen its long-time community partners, Feed Ontario and United Way, to distribute the much-needed aid to regional agencies. These agencies are on the frontlines serving people who are struggling during this incredibly difficult period. It is an additional donation in Ontario after announcing on March 25 a $500,000 donation to Feed Ontario and Food banks of Québec, as well as a $500,000 to the emergency fund of United Way/Centraide.
"We cannot thank our longstanding partner, METRO, enough for their unwavering commitment to Ontario's food banks and communities across the province, particularly during this unprecedented time of need," says Carolyn Stewart, Executive Director, Feed Ontario. "This commitment will directly support Feed Ontario's COVID-19 Emergency Food Box program, helping us to provide nutritious food to our province's most vulnerable."
“People who already face significant barriers of poverty, homelessness and social isolation need help more than ever and access to food has emerged as an immediate priority for our most vulnerable residents. United Way’s network of agencies have been working quickly and tirelessly to adapt their food service delivery and meet these urgent needs. Thank you, METRO, a long time United Way partner, for helping us make sure that everyone has access to nutritious food. We’re all in this together, and it is together that we will get through this. That’s the power of community,” says Daniele Zanotti, President & CEO, United Way Greater Toronto.
METRO, through its network of Metro and Food Basics stores and pharmacies, has been providing essential services since the beginning of the crisis. Our priority has been to ensure the safety of our employees and our customers while continuing to meet everyone’s needs. Together We Can make a difference for those who need it.
About METRO inc.
With annual sales of more than $16 billion, METRO Inc. is a food and pharmacy leader in Québec and Ontario. As a retailer, franchisor, distributor, and manufacturer, the company operates or services a network of some 950 food stores under several banners including Metro, Metro Plus, Super C and Food Basics, as well as some 650 drugstores primarily under the Jean Coutu, Brunet, Metro Pharmacy and Food Basics Pharmacy banners, providing employment to almost 90,000 people. For more details, visit corpo.metro.ca.
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