Calgary Co-op Raises $133,705 for Asian/Tsunami Relief Effort

February 2, 2005 Calgary, Alberta - Today, Calgary Co-op will present the Canadian Red Cross with a cheque for $133,705 donated by customers and employees during the recent Asian/Tsunami Relief Campaign at all Calgary Co-op locations.

"When our employees heard about this unprecedented disaster, they immediately wanted to do something to help the victims," says Donna Burn, director, member and public relations. "Calgary Co-op partnered with the local Canadian Red Cross to launch a fundraising initiative in all Calgary Co-op centres to provide customers and employees with a fast, convenient way to donate funds to the recovery effort, and support has been overwhelming," said Burn.

Calgary Co-op accepted donations from December 30, 2004 to January 13, 2005. Funds collected to January 11, 2005 will be matched by the federal government's program, bringing the total funds raised to through this campaign to $254,470.

"Once again, Calgarians have supported people in need in countries thousands of miles away," says Shirley Diaz, regional director, Red Cross Southern Alberta. "A special thank you to Calgary Co-op and their customers who have stepped up to help people in desperate need," adds Diaz.

All money collected for the tsunami appeal is to be used solely for Red Cross emergency relief and long term rehabilitation programs in the tsunami-affected countries. Red Cross was quick to respond because of people and programs already situated in so many of the affected areas enabling them to quickly build on an existing base.

The Canadian Red Cross is a member of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, which includes the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the International Committee of the Red Cross and 181 national Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. The Canadian Red Cross mission is to improve the lives of vulnerable people by mobilizing the power of humanity in Canada and around the world.

Calgary Co-op Donates to Red Cross Asian/Tsunami Relief Program
Locally owned and operated, Calgary Co-op is one of the largest retail co-operatives in North America with assets of $287 million, sales of $752 million, 396,000 members and 3,700 employees. In 2004, Calgary Co-op donated over $1.5 million to local charities and non-profit organizations.

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For more information, please contact:

Kim Mustard, Member and Public Relations Co-ordinator
Telephone: 403-219-6025, ext. 6258
Cell: 403-816-7419

Jo Williams
Red Cross Public Affairs, Southern Alberta
Telephone: 403-541-6121