FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RONA
sells Keys to a Cure for multiple sclerosis
Proceeds
to benefit MS Society of Canada
April
27, 2005 – Toronto - To help launch May, Multiple Sclerosis
Awareness Month, Canadian home hardware and renovation retailer
RONA will be selling “Keys to a Cure”
at checkout counters in support of the MS Society of Canada.
The paper keys will be sold for $2 each and offered to RONA customers
at checkout. The promotion will take place in Ontario, Quebec,
Manitoba, Alberta, Saskatchewan and British Columbia from May
1-23. The program is expected to raise $75,000 and all proceeds will be
donated to the MS Society.
“As
a company, we are great supporters of the MS cause,“ said Robert
Dutton, president and CEO of RONA. “This promotion gives our customers
an opportunity to actively fund services for people with MS
and support world-class research taking place here in Canada.”
RONA’s
commitment to the MS Society of Canada goes back to 2000 when
they sponsored an MS cycling event in Quebec. Last year, the partnership
expanded and they are now in their second year as title sponsor of the
RONA MS Bike Tour.
The RONA
MS Bike Tour is the largest cycling series run by a not-for profit organization
in Canada with 21 events from coast-to-coast.
“With
MS Awareness Month in May, we hope to raise both funds for a cure and
consciousness of a disease that impacts an estimated 50,000 Canadians,” said
Alistair Fraser, president and chief executive of the MS Society. “We
are very proud to have RONA as our partner in these goals.”
To get involved
with MS Awareness Month or for more information on the RONA “keys
to a cure” program, please contact the MS Society of Canada at
1-800-268-7582 or visit www.mssociety.ca
About
multiple sclerosis, and the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, often disabling disease of the
brain and spinal cord. It is the most common neurological disease of young
adults in Canada. Most people with MS are diagnosed between the ages of
15 and 40, and the unpredictable effects of MS last for the rest of their
lives. The MS Society provides services to people with MS and their families
and funds research to find the cause and cure for this disease.
About
MS Awareness Month
Throughout May, Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada volunteers
and staff will be taking part in awareness activities and fund raising
events across the country. Events include:
- A
Parliament Hill presentation to MP’s on May 4. MP’s
from all parties will be pinned with carnation boutonnières.
- The MS
Carnation Campaign will take place in the days leading up to Mother’s
Day weekend. Volunteers will be at malls and other public spaces selling
bouquets to promote MS awareness.
- The annual
MS Bequest Week takes place the week of May 23. Canadians can learn
more about financial planning and how to make a lasting legacy in
the fight against MS.
For more
information or to make a donation, please visit www.mssociety.ca or
call 1-800-268-7582.
About
RONA
RONA is the largest Canadian distributor and retailer of hardware,
home renovation and gardening products. RONA operates a network of 566
franchise, affiliate and corporate stores of various sizes and formats.
With over 22,000 employees working under its family of banners across
Canada and over 13 million square feet of retail space, the RONA store
network generates some $4,8 billion in annual sales.
Contact Information:
Stewart Wong
National Manager, Media Relations
Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada
(416) 967-3025
Stewart.Wong@mssociety.ca
Stéphane
Prud’homme
Media Relations Manager
RONA Inc.
1-877 599-5900 extension 5114
stephane.prudhomme@rona.ca
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