Beer Store Bottle Drive in fourteenth year of supporting blood cancer cures

The Returns for Leukemia Bottle Drive invites Ontario communities to participate in the fight to end blood cancers.

TORONTO, May 24, 2019 /CNW/ - On Saturday, May 25th, The Beer Store and its affiliated union ? United Food & Commercial Workers Union Local 12R24 ? are inviting Ontarians to join in the fight against blood cancers by donating their empty beer, wine and liquor containers to any Beer Store location during the 14th annual Returns for Leukemia Bottle Drive. All proceeds benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada (LLSC) in their mission to end blood cancers.

Over the past 13 years, over $15 million has been raised for the LLSC through the bottle drive. The money donated goes towards research, patient support services and public education.

"We applaud the commitment of Beer Store employees, customers, volunteers and the public across the province who take part in this campaign every year," says Alicia Talarico, LLSC president. "We are very grateful to be the recipient of these funds, which allow us to continue to invest in the best research and treatment advances in Canada."

The bottle drive has become a major event for The Beer Store's 7,000 employees and its union, as they are able to make a difference in the lives of those affected by blood cancers in their communities.

"I am so proud of our hardworking employees," says Beer Store president, Ted Moroz. "We are grateful to serve Ontarians and we are very proud that we can give back to our communities."

"Nationally, UFCW Canada has surpassed the $30 million dollar mark and I am very proud to lead Local 12R24, as well represent and be associated with such socially-conscious and caring members as well as our generous customers," explains UFCW Local 12R24 president, John Nock.

All 450 Beer Stores across Ontario will be accepting donations. Visit bottledrive.ca for more information on the bottle drive and other local events.

About Returns for Leukemia Bottle Drive

The Returns for Leukemia Bottle Drive is a fundraiser held each May at all Beer Store locations across Ontario by the United Food & Commercial Workers Local 12R24 in partnership with The Beer Store to raise funds for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada. To learn more about this event please visit bottledrive.ca.

About The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada is the single largest voluntary health agency dedicated to blood cancers in Canada. LLSC funds life-saving blood cancer research across the country, and provides free information and support services to patients and caregivers. Our mission is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. To find out more visit llscanada.org.

For personalized disease, treatment or support information, patients can contact our local support staff at 1-833-222-4884. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

SOURCE The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada