Image: Contributed.
A growing social media movement has all the support of Kelowna’s top food bank official.
Lenetta Parry said if you cash in from the Loblaws’ price-fixing scandal, you’re more than welcome to donate to the Central Okanagan Food Bank.
“Food banks are always in need of support,” Parry said. “The public can help in many ways including donating food, funds – including gift cards – and the donation of time through volunteering.”
Parry is responding to a growing social media movement to donate gift cards from Loblaws to local food banks.
On Dec. 19, Loblaw Companies Ltd., admitted a role in nation-wide price fixing on the price of bread that continued for 14 years across the Canadian grocery industry.
Loblaws—parent company behind Real Canadian Superstore, Shoppers Drug Mart and Joe Fresh—admitted to co-ordinated efforts with other retailers to inflate bread prices.
“This sort of behaviour is wrong and has no place in our business or Canada’s grocery industry,” said Galen G. Weston, Loblaws’ chairman and chief executive officer. “This should never have happened.”
Weston said his companies reported the behaviour to the Competition Bureau two years ago and is cooperating with an investigation into other retailers.
The competition bureau has agreed to give his company immunity from prosecution, CBC News is reporting.
In an effort to win back customer confidence, Loblaws is giving away $25 gift cards to customers who register online.
That’s prompted Canadians across the country to urge everyone to donate their $25 to local food banks.
Loblaws is giving away 3-6 million $25 gift cards because of fraud Loblaws participated in.
Request your gift card at loblawcard.ca
Then go give it to your local food bank.
Even with the minimum number of cards handed out, that’s $75,000,000 to people who need it most.
🇨🇦🍞
— Jonah Wolfraim (@jonahwolfraim) December 20, 2017
Parry said she’s all behind the idea. “This is a grassroots call to action, started on social media. It’s great to see that many people are thinking about their local food bank and how they can help others.”
The food bank is coming off its busiest season, distributing Christmas hampers to clients; however, it’s also headed into another annual event: the post-holiday slump.
“The Central Okanagan Food Bank just completed the distribution of 2,000 Christmas hampers in the Central Okanagan. The need is high and remains all year long. We are appreciative of all support and donations.”
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