CBSR Member, Purolator, is Enhancing Community Involvement Through Collaboration

(3BL Media) May 29, 2012 -  Since launching the Purolator Tackle Hunger™ program in 2003, Purolator and its partners have helped deliver the equivalent of more than 4.5 million pounds of food to local food banks across Canada.

This year, to mark the 10th season of the program, Purolator is on a drive to deliver the equivalent of 1 million pounds of food. Reaching this goal will be a multi-partner effort of existing and new initiatives, which highlight how the program has evolved from an award winning sponsorship marketing program to a multi-stakeholder partnership which is contributing to CSR integration throughout Purolator’s operations.

Purolator Tackle Hunger began with the stated objectives of:

• raising awareness about the issue of hunger in Canada,
• engaging Canadian communities to make donations to local food banks, and
• supporting frontline, grassroots organizations that help those affected by hunger.

Partnering with the Canadian Football League (CFL), and all eight CFL Teams, food drives are held before a designated game during each CFL season. In return for a donation to their local food bank, fans have the opportunity to have a digital photo taken with the Grey Cup.

The delivery of goods is Purolator’s business; the company recognized how much more community-based organizations could accomplish when they have delivery vehicles to enhance their ability to respond to donors and those in need. Purolator has committed to 10 Trucks for 10 Years, an effort that is improving the capacity and increasing the efficiency of food banks to reach more families who are in need. Refurbished curbside Purolator trucks have already been deployed for use with the Eden Community Food Bank in Mississauga, Ontario and with the organization FEED NOVA SCOTIA based out of Halifax. The refurbished trucks have a five to seven year life expectancy. No special license is needed to operate them, which means food bank volunteers can be among the operators.

Purolator’s most recent donation of a truck in Nova Scotia was delivered filled with food gathered from a food drive by Purolator’s Halifax team. The truck refurbishing and relabeling was donated by Purolator partners – Maaco and Turbo Images.

“Purolator has strong connections in the communities where our 12,000 teammates live, work and play,” states Tom Schmitt, President & CEO of Purolator. “Purolator is proud of its 10 Trucks for 10 Years initiative. With the donation of these vehicles, local food banks will be able to better manage and respond to their distribution needs, as well as help more Canadians.”

The complexity of a vehicle donation highlights how effective partnerships combine resources, competencies and the sharing of risks toward a common objective. To make this donation possible, Purolator involved its senior executives and several departments including Operations, Corporate Communications, and legal expertise. “Purolator understands that through continued collaboration with our business and community partners we can drive meaningful change" states Mr. Schmitt. “Our company, teammates, partners and suppliers are proud to be part of efforts to alleviate hunger in Canada."

Purolator worked collaboratively with Food Banks Canada on this initiative to open up an application process for its members and affiliates. Working together ensured an informed and equitable process for applicants across the country.

Purolator teammates are also gearing up for their seventh annual Purolator Tackle Hunger Week June 4th to 8th, which engages key customers and all 12,000 teammates in Purolator’s commitment to tackling hunger in Canada. 100% of the donations raised during Purolator Tackle Hunger Week stay in the communities where they were donated.