May 26, 2014
Neal Tepel
Toronto, Canada – The Beer Store and the United Food & Commercial Workers Local 12R24 are hoping enthusiasm for the Victoria Day Weekend will bubble over into generosity when beer lovers head back to return their empty bottles.
The Beer Store and its 7,500 employees have called on customers to participate in the annual Returns for Leukemia Bottle Drive for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada. The effort follows the "unofficial start of summer" and one of the busiest weekends at the Beer Store.
The UFCW Local 12R24 is hoping to collect 6 million bottles over two days and build on the $1.7 million raised in 2013. They are asking customers to direct their deposit returns to providing patient support and helping find a cure for leukemia and other blood cancers, the number one cancer killer of children in Canada. Over the last eight years, Returns For Leukemia has raised $8 million for research into blood cancers and support for patients and their families. It is the biggest bottle drive in the world.
Chris and Jane Bidner are Beer Store employees who have struggled to watch as their grandson battles leukemia. "Nevan's cancer has gone into remission but our family's journey is far from over as doctors continue his therapy to keep it from coming back," said Chris Bidner, a supervisor at the Brampton Distribution Centre. "My wife and I are so thankful to the Beer Store, the UFCW and our amazing customers for joining my family in the fight against blood cancers."
"The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada has been the charity of choice for our members since 1985," said Rob Edwards, president of UFCW Local 12R24. "Our members are proud to join forces with the Beer Store and our very generous customers to raise money for research and help support families affected by blood cancers. We have made great strides and look forward to the day when there is a cure for leukemia, lymphoma and other blood cancers.
