Labatt delivers more than 50,000 cans of water to assist Canadians in flooded areas of Manitoba

TORONTO, July 7, 2014 /CNW/ - Labatt Breweries of Canada is providing over 2,100 cases of emergency drinking water — or 51,800 cans — for residents affected by the flooding in Manitoba.

A truck loaded with water left Labatt's Mississauga Distribution Centre yesterday and is scheduled to arrive today. Labatt is coordinating with the Province of Manitoba and the Portage La Prairie emergency coordination centre to deliver the water where it's needed most.

"This is a very challenging time for everyone in the flooded areas of the prairies, and for all Canadians as we share our concern for the safety and welfare of our friends, family members and neighbors," said Charlie Angelakos, vice president, corporate affairs, Labatt. "Our thoughts are with all those affected and Labatt is glad to be in a position to offer help."

In 2012, Labatt established a Canadian Disaster Relief Program that's specifically designed to provide safe drinking water to Canadian communities that have experienced a natural disaster. The company cans its own water and maintains a constant inventory specifically for this purpose.

The company is offering financial support to flooded communities as well.  For the next two weeks, it will donate $1 to the Canadian Red Cross for every 12-can case of Budweiser and Bud Light sold in Manitoba. During the same period, it will donate $1 to the Canadian Red Cross for every 18-can case of Budweiser sold in Saskatchewan to help flood relief efforts in that province.

This is Labatt's second donation under its Disaster Relief Program.  Last summer, it donated water and sent a team of volunteers in response to flooding in southern Alberta.

"Right now, Labatt's priority is to leverage our systems and resources to get safe drinking water to the people of Manitoba," said Angelakos.  "Labatt has been a part of Canada for almost 170 years, and it's nothing short of an honour to be there for our communities and be able to provide support."

About Labatt Breweries of Canada
Labatt Breweries is one of Canada's founding businesses and oldest brewers.  Established by John Kinder Labatt in London, Ontario in 1847, Labatt today has more than 3,000 employees and six breweries across the country and a portfolio of 60 quality beers, including Budweiser, Stella Artois, Corona, Alexander Keith's, Labatt Blue and Kokanee.  As a part of the Anheuser-Busch InBev family, Labatt is committed to being The Best Beer Company Bringing People Together for a Better World, making a positive contribution through multiple programs that support its communities, promote responsible drinking and protect the environment.

SOURCE: Labatt Breweries of Canada