Empire Theatres' National Toy Drive to benefit The Salvation Army

TORONTO, Dec. 10, 2012 /CNW/ - The 16^th annual Empire Theatres Toy Drive to benefit The Salvation Army began on Dec. 1, 2012 this year and will run until Dec. 23, 2012 at all of its theatre locations across Canada.

This is the second year for the Empire Theatres' National Toy Drive across Canada, which also sees support from sponsor, FedEx, which generated thousands of gifts and gift cards last year, providing for families in need over the holidays. Empire Theatres had previously been running the Toy Drive in Halifax, NS, for 16 years, where tremendous success year over year drove the desire for this partnership to become national in nature.

"We were so warmed by the generosity of our guests in Halifax Regional Municipality and neighbouring communities over the last 16 years, and were doubly thrilled that the Toy Drive was so well received at the rest of our locations in Canada when we took it National," says Dean Leland, Vice President of Studio Relations and Media, Empire Theatres. "We are proud supporters of youth and community groups on many levels, and are thankful to our guests who help us support these causes."

People are encouraged to drop off new, unwrapped toys to any of the 52 Empire Theatres locations in Canada. The addresses can be found on the website at www.empiretheatres.com/theatres. The toys are then delivered to the local Salvation Army, providing gifts for children in low-income households.

"We are grateful to Empire Theatres," says Major Doug Hefford, Divisional Commander for The Salvation Army in the Maritimes. "They help us make Christmas morning brighter for children and their families, restoring hope and dignity to those less fortunate in our community."

About The Salvation Army:
The Salvation Army is an international Christian organization that began its work in Canada in 1882 and has grown to become the largest non-governmental direct provider of social services in the country. The Salvation Army gives hope and support to vulnerable people today and every day in 400 communities across Canada and more than 120 countries around the world. The Salvation Army offers practical assistance for children and families, often tending to the basic necessities of life, providing shelter for homeless people and rehabilitation for people who have lost control of their lives to an addiction. When you give to The Salvation Army, you are investing in the future of marginalized and overlooked people in your community.

About Empire Theatres Limited:
Empire Theatres Limited is a Canada-wide film exhibition company providing an exciting out-of-home entertainment experience including traditional film exhibition as well as other content using its digital and satellite capabilities. Empire Theatres Limited is a 100% owned subsidiary of Empire Company Limited that owns and operates 52 theatres across Canada with 431 screens, including seven IMAX theatres and five Empire Extra locations. Empire Theatres Limited's corporate headquarters are located in New Glasgow, NS, with regional offices in Halifax, NS; Toronto, ON; and Calgary, AB. With approximately 2,500 employees, Empire Theatres provides excellent employment opportunities for the youth of Canada in an exciting and energetic industry.

SOURCE: THE SALVATION ARMY