Shoppers at B.C.'s liquor and cannabis stores have donated more than half a million dollars to the Ukrainian crisis in less than three weeks.
As of March 17, BC Liquor and BC Cannabis stores collected a combined total of $538,074, money that will go toward the Canadian Red Cross’s Ukraine humanitarian crisis appeal. The appeal launched on Feb. 28, a few days after Russia invaded the European country.
"It is clear from the remarkable response to this campaign that what is happening in Ukraine has touched people all across the province," said Minister of Finance Selina Robinson in a prepared statement Tuesday.
"Seeing BC Liquor store and BC Cannabis store employees' support for this campaign and the customers' compassion and generosity really shows how willing people in B.C. are to step up and support their local and international communities when it is needed most," she said.
The BC Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB) has created several emergency response campaigns in its retail stores to support people in need, both at home and abroad. They have raised nearly $2.5 million for the Canadian Red Cross in the last two years.
The Red Cross offers countries in humanitarian crises with support through immediate and ongoing relief efforts, and long-term recovery.
"Whether it be at home or abroad, our customers have shown unwavering support for those most impacted by devastating crises such as the war in Ukraine. Their donations will provide invaluable assistance to the Canadian Red Cross as it responds to this crisis," said Blain Lawson, general manager and CEO of the LDB.
In addition, the B.C. the government announced on Feb. 25 that it would contribute $1 million to the Red Cross.
To donate to the Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis Appeal effort, call 1-800-418-1111 or donate online: https://www.redcross.ca/.
