Reitmans (Canada) Limited has announced a five-year partnership with Food Banks Canada to provide one million meals to people facing food insecurity, as the Montreal-based apparel retailer marks its 100th anniversary.
The initiative will support Food Banks Canada, a national charitable organization that works to relieve hunger and prevent food insecurity through a network of more than 5,500 food banks and community organizations across the country.
The partnership forms part of Reitmans’ broader community engagement efforts as the company marks a century in business. The retailer said it has sought to make a positive impact beyond its stores since its founding in 1926.
Partnership marks 100 years in business
Lisa Reitman, vice-president of business development and environmental, social and governance (ESG) at Reitmans (Canada) Limited, said the initiative reflects the company’s history and its ties to communities across the country.
“RCL started as one community store in 1926 in Montreal, and we have grown to be a part of communities across Canada for a century,” said Reitman. “Helping to provide one million meals to people in need, from coast to coast, is a meaningful way to give back to the communities that have welcomed us for generations.”
The five-year commitment is intended to help address food insecurity, which the company identified as a significant challenge facing people in Canada. Reitmans said its community involvement is based on the belief that investing in local communities helps strengthen the social fabric.
Food Banks Canada will be the organization’s partner in delivering the initiative. The charity supports food banks and community organizations nationwide, with a mandate to address immediate hunger needs while working to prevent hunger in the longer term.
Food banks face continued demand
Kirstin Beardsley, chief executive officer of Food Banks Canada, said partnerships with businesses are important as food banks respond to demand for assistance.
“At a time when food banks across the country are facing historic demand, partnerships like this are more important than ever. With nearly 2.2 million visits to food banks each month, the need for support continues to grow in communities from coast to coast,” said Beardsley.
“We are incredibly grateful to RCL for stepping up to help meet this moment. Their generosity will help food banks provide essential support today while bringing us closer to our mission of relieving hunger today and preventing hunger tomorrow. Together, we can ensure more people in Canada have access to the food and support they need to thrive.”
The company announced the partnership on Oct. 14, coinciding with its 100th anniversary celebrations.
Retail operations across Canada
Reitmans (Canada) Limited operates 385 stores across the country under three retail banners: Reitmans, PENN. and RW&CO. The company’s store network includes 216 Reitmans locations, 85 PENN. stores and 84 RW&CO. locations.
Founded in Montreal in 1926, the company operates in the women’s and men’s specialty apparel retail sector. Its anniversary initiative adds a national food security partnership to its community engagement activities.
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