SAQ raises more than $863,000 for the Food Banks of Quebec network

Montreal, April 8, 2021 – The SAQ’s first fundraising campaign of the year for the Food Banks of Quebec (FBQ) network was held from April 1 to 7 in its outlets and online via SAQ.com, with customers urged to purchase made-in-Quebec products and make a donation at checkout. The full value of gift-packaging products and reusable carrying bags sold year-round to benefit the FBQ is also added to the campaign donations. Thanks to these initiatives, a total of $863,748 was raised for the FBQ and help is on the way to people in need as they navigate this especially difficult time caused by the health crisis.

Customers showed great generosity
Catherine Dagenais, President and Chief Executive Officer, SAQ, expressed sincerest thanks to everyone who helped support the cause. “As usual, our customers showed their solidarity,” she said. “By contributing, they are providing invaluable assistance to people in need who rely on food banks. I also wish to acknowledge the exceptional contribution of the teams in all our outlets, without whom our campaigns on behalf of the FBQ would not be possible. Together, we are all making a difference and working to put an end to hunger.”

The SAQ, the leading FBQ donor
Véronique Beaulieu-Fowler, Director, Communications and Philanthropy, FBQ, also highlighted the contributions of SAQ employees and customers: “We are extremely grateful to have had the steadfast support of the SAQ for so many years. Now more than ever, the enthusiastic commitment of its employees and the generosity of its customers mean that we can sustain our network’s food aid operations of all across Quebec. Thank you so much!”

Supporting the FBQ financially for 12 years
Thanks to the generosity of its customers and the engagement of its employees, the SAQ has funnelled more than $12 million to the FBQ network since 2009, including some $3.3 million in 2020. The funds are used not only to meet needs all over Quebec, but also to build projects and purchase equipment that enables the network to better support the people most at risk. The SAQ is the FBQ’s leading provider of financial support.
 
About Food Banks of Quebec
The Food Banks of Quebec (FBQ) network is now more than 30 years old. With the support of its 19 Moisson regional food banks and 13 associate members across Quebec, some 1,200 community organizations handle more than 1.9 million requests for food assistance a month. The FBQ network pools resources, expertise and information to provide adequate assistance to vulnerable persons in need and to do so equitably in every region of the province.
https://www.banquesalimentaires.org/en/

About the Société des alcools du Québec (SAQ)
Created in 1921, the SAQ imports, distributes and sells a broad range of wines, beers and spirits. Its sales network comprises 410 stores and 426 agency stores located throughout Quebec and a transactional website, SAQ.com. Driven by the passion and know-how of its 7,000 employees, the SAQ offers Quebecers a world of discovery, with more than 35,000 products from 3,700 suppliers in 80 countries. In fiscal 2019–2020, the SAQ supported some 3,000 organizations and events and paid a dividend of $1.226 billion to the Government of Quebec, while also ensuring its business activities respected local communities and the environment.