CALGARY, ALBERTA–(Marketwired – June 14, 2016) – Shaw Communications Inc. (TSX:SJR.B)(NYSE:SJR) announced today it will be donating a total of $1 million to support two charitable organizations – The Alex and Kids Help Phone – as the official charitable partners for the 2016 Shaw Charity Classic. This donation will see The Alex receive $700,000 to fund its youth-based programs and support the construction and operation of its new Community Food Centre in Calgary. Kids Help Phone will receive $300,000 to support BroTalk, a dedicated online support zone and referral service for young men aged 14 to 18.
“The Shaw Charity Classic has become instrumental in supporting the good work of so many organizations in the communities we serve,” said Brad Shaw, CEO, Shaw Communications. “The Alex and Kids Help Phone are both doing transformational work in helping kids, youth, and families in our communities navigate difficult times. We are honoured to have them as our partners for this year’s tournament.”
The Alex has provided medical care and housing support, and addressed community issues in Calgary for more than 40 years. The Alex has partnered with Community Food Centres Canada to bring Western Canada its first Community Food Centre. This national movement has seen seven centres open their doors since 2012, each with a community-driven program model. Shaw has previously supported the development of The Alex Community Food Centre through donations totaling $100,000.
“We know there is a strong connection between good food and physical and emotional well-being, yet many Calgarians struggle every day to put enough food on the table for themselves and their kids,” said Renée MacKillop, Program Manager for the Alex Community Food Centre. “With Shaw’s support, this centre will be a step toward growing a healthier community by providing barrier-free access to healthy food and food skills.”
Kids Help Phone is always open for youth and helps them develop skills and resiliency by providing counselling and referrals using the channels that are most relevant to them. The BroTalk support zone was designed specifically to address issues that prevent teen guys from reaching out and provide options for support including direct access to a Kids Help Phone counsellor through Live Chat, information, and interactive tools. Shaw Communications is a longstanding partner of Kids Help Phone, committing more than $1 million to the organization over the past 18 years.
“BroTalk was created in response to the many barriers that teen guys face when seeking help and to empower them to arrive at solutions to the problems they face before they’re in crisis,” said Sharon Wood, President and CEO, Kids Help Phone. “We are very grateful to Shaw Communications for their generous support of this important, targeted service operated by Kids Help Phone.”
The Shaw Charity Classic, Calgary’s marquee PGA TOUR Champions Tour event, has seen tremendous growth in its charitable giving, raising $8.5 million for charities in Alberta and setting new records over the past three years.
The Shaw Charity Classic will be held at Canyon Meadows Golf & Country Club in Calgary, Alberta from August 31 – September 4, 2016. More information regarding the tournament can be found at www.shawcharityclassic.com.
About Shaw
Shaw is a leading enhanced connectivity provider. Shaw serves consumers with broadband Internet, WiFi, video, digital phone and, through WIND Mobile, wireless services. Shaw Business Network Services provides business customers with Internet, data, WiFi, telephony, video and fleet tracking services. Shaw Business Infrastructure Services provides enterprises colocation, cloud and managed services through ViaWest. Shaw is traded on the Toronto and New York stock exchanges and is included in the S&P/TSX 60 Index (TSX:SJR.B)(NYSE:SJR). For more information, please visit www.shaw.ca.
About the Shaw Charity Classic
The Shaw Charity Classic will host some of the greatest names in the game of golf in Calgary at the Canyon Meadows Golf and Country Club, August 31 – September 4, 2016. The field, which will consist of 81 stars on the PGA TOUR Champions Tour, will compete for US $2.35 million in a three-round, 54-hole stroke-play tournament. The winner will receive US $352,500 and 352 Charles Schwab Cup Points. The only PGA TOUR Champions Tour stop in Canada will showcase Calgary to the world through its broadcast on the Golf Channel. Led by a philanthropic Patron Group including Tournament Chairman – Clay Riddell, Vice Chairman – Allan Markin, Keith MacPhail, Jim Riddell, Guy Turcotte, Gary Peddle and PGA Tour Professional – Stephen Ames, along with title sponsor, Shaw Communications, the Shaw Charity Classic won the PGA TOUR Champions prestigious President’s Award in 2015 and 2014. The Tournament has raised more than $8.5 million in its first three years, with a PGA TOUR Champions record setting donation of $3,942,712 raised in 2015 that was distributed amongst 99 youth-based charities in Alberta. For more information on the event, please visit www.shawcharityclassic.com. Follow the Shaw Charity Classic at www.facebook.com/shawcharityclassic and on Twitter @shawclassic. The Shaw Charity Classic is managed by the Bruno Event Team and Shaw Communications Inc.
About The Alex
The Alex Community Food Centre is a welcoming place for all Calgarians to build a foundation for whole health by growing, cooking and sharing healthy food. The Alex knows that to build a community of healthy individuals we need to tackle complex social issues. The Community Food Centre increases access to healthy food in a welcoming space, where you can grow, cook and share a meal with neighbours. Free educational and community programming and access to gardens and local, healthy food builds a foundation for whole health. Good food is just the beginning.
About Kids Help Phone
Kids Help Phone is a charity that provides counselling and referrals in both official languages as the only national helpline for young people. Since 1989, Kids Help Phone has offered kids and teens hope and support through its confidential and anonymous service. As an organization that speaks with young people every day, Kids Help Phone works to share their perspectives and improve their emotional health and well-being. Kids Help Phone raises the majority of its revenue from individuals, foundations, corporations, and community fundraising.
Shaw Communications Inc.
Chethan Lakshman
VP, Communications and Public Relations
403-930-8448
chethan.lakshman@sjrb.ca