Leon's Furniture, its Brick Group subsidiary, the Hudson's Bay Company and Sears Canada have all launched independent fundraising initiatives to add those affected by the recent flooding disaster in Calgary and other parts of southern Alberta.
Under its plan, Leon's and The Brick will match contributions received from their employees and their customers up to a total of C$100,000.
"Our hearts and prayers go out to those who have been impacted by the Southern Alberta floods this past week," Terry Leon, chief executive officer of both Leon's and The Brick, said in a statement. "We hope that the combined efforts of Leon's and The Brick, two Canadian businesses with strong roots in Southern Alberta, can together make a meaningful difference in the recovery efforts." Leon's and Brick customers and employees will be able to make donations at any Leon's, The Brick, The Brick Mattress Store or United Furniture Warehouse location across the country until July 31, 2013.
For each dollar received, the Leon's/Brick Southern Alberta Relief Initiative will match that dollar by contributing up to C$100,000 to the Canadian Red Cross (CRC) to aid flood relief work in southern Alberta.
"Many homes and lives have been tragically impacted by the flood waters in Southern Alberta," Vi Konkle, president of The Brick, added. "We have already stepped up by helping deliver necessary supplies to those in need and will further our efforts with this financial contribution. When tragedy strikes, Albertans pull together, and Leon's and The Brick together are right there to join the relief efforts."
In a related announcement, Hudson's Bay Company launched a Donate your HBC Rewards Points campaign in support of flood relief efforts.
Until July 15, 2013, customers and HBC employees can donate their HBC Rewards points in Hudson's Bay and Home Outfitters stores across Canada. Customers can also make a donation online through www.hbcrewards.com by clicking on the 'Donate to Charity/Community' link.
In addition to funds raised through this program, HBC make a C$50,000 contribution to the Canadian Red Cross.
Sears Canada will also pitch in to help the CRC by allowing Canadians to make donations at any store across the country or by using their Sears branded credit cards.
Upon request, a tax receipt can be issued by the CRC for donations of C$10 or more for donations made on a Sears Card or Sears MasterCard, as Sears can only pass on information to the Red Cross from Sears credit card holders with their permission. Donations made on a Sears Card or Sears MasterCard can earn Sears Club points.
Sears Canada is also making a corporate donation based on what its customers and associates donate. "Although the floods have been localized in Alberta, Canadians coast to coast are expressing their desire to help, and we are fully engaging the Sears organization to help facilitate donations to the Red Cross from Canadians, no matter where they live," Sears Canada president and chief executive officer Calvin McDonald said in a statement.
In addition to the fundraising campaign, Sears is sending truck trucks to affected areas, donating blankets, pillows, clothing and footwear, among other items, to the Red Cross to assist with immediate flood relief needs.
The company has also arranged for special logistic and delivery arrangements to get much-needed merchandise to its stores quickly. To help impacted families until next Tuesday (July 2), Sears Canada is extending a special discount to customers shopping at all its full-line department stores in the area, namely North Hill, Marlborough, South Centre, Lethbridge and Medicine Hat. Customers will receive 40% off the currently ticketed price of most apparel and footwear and 50% off for Sears card holders.
