Nestlé Canada cares deeply for the communities in which it lives and operates. As an organization committed to enhancing quality of life and contributing to a healthier future, the company is proud to announce that it will donate over $2 million in food donations to Food Banks Canada to help feed families and communities impacted by COVID-19.
“These are extraordinary times and now, more than ever, our communities need our support. It is extremely important to us at Nestlé Canada that we do everything we can to help those in need and we are pleased to support our long-time charitable partners, through both financial means and product donations,” said Jeff Hamilton, President and CEO of Nestlé Canada. “Our contributions also include donations from our generous employees who have passionately rallied around a corporate matching program that we’ve just concluded.”
Food banks across Canada have been severely impacted by COVID-19 and with increased demand for support from millions of vulnerable families, the need for support and resources continues to intensify. Nestlé Canada has quickly mobilized to provide much-needed financial support and product donations including bottled water, baby/infant food, confections and pet food to support local shelters.
"While food insecurity is an issue year-round in Canada, COVID-19 has led to significant challenges," said Chris Hatch, Chief Executive Officer for Food Banks Canada. “We are thankful for the generosity of our corporate partners, like Nestlé Canada, for their donation of funds and food products which will provide food banks with more of the resources they need to ensure that the most vulnerable people in Canada are not left behind.”
In addition, as part of a larger global initiative with the International Federation of the Red Cross organization, Nestlé Canada is also pleased to be donating $150,000 to the Canadian Red Cross to support its response to COVID-19. These initiatives include:
- Distribution of emergency supplies such as cots, blankets and hygiene kits as requested by local authorities, in response to COVID-19 as well as future emergencies including floods and wildfires;
- Support for Red Cross personnel providing comfort and care for Canadians; and
- Support with call centres to help people through the uncertainty by providing well-being support, key information, and referrals to available community services.
As a Founding Partner of Kids Help Phone, Nestlé Canada has also increased financial support to enhance the charity’s capabilities to respond to the increased volume of calls, texts and emails from vulnerable youth who are experiencing anxiety, isolation and fear with this new, uncertain world. In addition, Nestlé continues to be able to respond to various requests for product from local healthcare and emergency services to support front line workers.
During this crisis, Nestlé Purina PetCare Canada continues to support pets and the people who love them, dedicating resources to shelters and rescues across the country.
To date, Nestlé Purina PetCare Canada has donated more than 100,000 meals to shelter and rescue pets in need to ensure animals waiting for their forever homes are well fed.
For more information on Nestlé’s response to COVID-19, please visit https:/corporate.nestle.ca/en.
About Food Banks Canada
Food Banks Canada provides national leadership to relieve hunger today and prevent hunger tomorrow in collaboration with the food bank network from coast-to-coast-to-coast. For 40 years, food banks have been dedicated to helping Canadians living with food insecurity. Over 3,000 food banks and community agencies come together to serve our most vulnerable neighbours who – last year – made 1.1 million visits to these organizations in one month alone, according to our HungerCount report. Over the past 10 years, as a system we’ve sourced and shared over 1.4 billion pounds of food and Food Banks Canada shared nearly $70 million in funding to help maximize collective impact and strengthen local capacity – while advocating for reducing the need for food banks. Our vision is clear: create a Canada where no one goes hungry. Visit http://www.foodbankscanada.ca/ to learn more.
About Nestlé Canada
Nestlé is the world’s largest food and beverage company present in 189 countries. Nestlé in Canada locally manufactures and/or distributes some of the world's most recognized and trusted brands, including LEAN CUISINE, BOOST, NESQUIK, NESTLÉ GOOD START, HÄAGEN-DAZS, KIT KAT, NESCAFÉ, NESTLÉ PURE LIFE, NESTLÉ DRUMSTICK, NESTLE PURINA AND NESPRESSO. Its 3,200 employees in approximately 18 locations across Canada are committed to Nestlé’s purpose of enhancing quality of life and contributing to a healthier future. In 2016, Nestlé celebrated its 150-year anniversary, and has been present in Canada since 1887. More information and details are available at www.corporate.nestle.ca.
For more information: Nestlé Media Line (416) 218-2688 or [email protected]