RONA inc., one of Canada’s leading home improvement retailers, operating and servicing some 425 corporate and affiliated stores, is once again this year lending a helping hand to communities affected by forest fires in Western Canada.
Until June 30, RONA+ and RONA corporate stores in Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan will be collecting donations for victims of the forest fires that have been raging in these provinces over the past few days. The RONA Foundation will then donate these funds to the Canadian Red Cross, which provides immediate and ongoing assistance to Canadians in need. This is the retailer’s third campaign of this kind, it said.
“This fundraising campaign truly hits home, as RONA learned on Wednesday that one of its affiliated dealer stores, RONA La Ronge in Saskatchewan, owned by Matthew Klassen and Krista Funk, was destroyed by fire,” said the company.
“Each year, forest fires cause thousands of victims across the country, and it’s important for RONA to support fellow citizens who are impacted. But when tragedy strikes at home, I must admit that it gives a whole new meaning to our commitment,” said J.P. Towner, President and CEO of RONA inc.
The company said it received word that Krista and the children had been evacuated and were safe, while Matthew chose to stay behind to help firefighters and offer his support to the community.
“As I often say, our dealers are people with big hearts who do what they do because they want to help their peers and contribute to building stronger communities. Matt is the perfect example of this. I take my hat off to him for his courage and exemplary dedication,” said Alain Ménard, Senior Vice-President, RONA Affiliated Dealers, RONA inc.
“To see the fruit of your labour go up in flames and still choose to help is simply remarkable. I want to tell Matt and Krista that our hearts go out to them and their employees, and that RONA will be there in the weeks and months to come to support them through this ordeal and help them get back on their feet,” he added.
Those who wish to make a donation for victims of the forest fires can do so on the Canadian Red Cross website or in a store in Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan.
The company is one of Canada’s leading home improvement retailers, headquartered in Boucherville, Québec. The network operates and services some 425 corporate and affiliated dealer stores under the RONA+, RONA, and Dick’s Lumber banners. It has supported Canadians in their home improvement and construction projects since 1939.
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