Spare change can help bring big change

A little change can go a long way.

Beginning September 1, Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) customers can drop their spare change into coin boxes at all 600 LCBO locations across Ontario. Proceeds will benefit the ALS Society of Ontario.

Donation boxes will be displayed at checkout counters until September 30.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), better known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a rapidly progressive and fatal neuromuscular disease affecting close to 1,000 Ontarians.

Approximately one-third of people with ALS are diagnosed by age 45. Eighty per cent of those affected die within two to five years of diagnosis.

"ALS is a devastating disease physically, emotionally and financially," says ALS Society of Ontario president and CEO Maureen Sheahan. "We appreciate this opportunity to raise funds and awareness to assist people living with this disease."

The society's donation box features a photo of the Robertson family of Oakville. Tim Robertson was diagnosed with ALS in June 2004. The father of three, who enjoyed hockey, cycling and golf, is now wheelchair-bound.

The Robertsons have supported several society initiatives, including Golf 4 ALS and the Halton WALK for ALS, where the photo was taken in May.

The ALS Society of Ontario is one of 26 provincial and numerous local charities that will benefit from the LCBO's donation box program in 2008.

The program raises hundreds of thousands of dollars annually.

"We are pleased to partner with the ALS Society of Ontario," says LCBO chair Philip J. Olsson. "LCBO's customers have always responded generously to worthy causes, and we thank them for providing a positive change in so many people's lives."



The ALS Society of Ontario is a non-profit organization committed to providing equipment and support services to people with ALS and their families. The society thanks the LCBO for providing this fundraising vehicle and LCBO customers for their generosity.

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