CFL Winnipeg Blue Bombers

Old Dutch, Wal-Mart team-up to support Never Alone

Published on December 15, 2006 under Canadian Football League (CFL)
Winnipeg Blue Bombers News Release


WINNIPEG, MB - The Never Alone Foundation, in partnership with two of the province's top corporate citizens, announced today the results of a major fundraising campaign aimed at fighting cancer and assisting cancer research in Manitoba.

Between Oct. 28 and Nov. 24, a portion of the proceeds from all Old Dutch products sold at Wal-Mart locations throughout Manitoba and Kenora were collected on behalf of the Never Alone Foundation.

CancerCare Manitoba is the sole beneficiary of the Never Alone Foundation, which was conceived of by Winnipeg Blue Bombers president and CEO Lyle Bauer following his own battle with cancer. The aim of the foundation is to help individuals and their families in the fight against the disease through cancer research and education.

As a result of the efforts of Old Dutch employees and Wal-Mart associates, a cheque for approximately $17,535 was presented to the Never Alone Foundation.

That total includes approximately $12,000 from the sale of Old Dutch products and $1,800 from the sale of Never Alone Foundation bracelets as well as a $3,200 matching grant from Wal-Mart Canada Corp.

"We are extremely grateful for the efforts of Old Dutch, Wal-Mart and their respective customers and employees for this most generous gift," Bauer said. "The fact that all of these parties were able to pool their resources together for a common cause like this just goes to prove that no one is ever alone in the fight against cancer."

John Di Quinzio, Regional Sales Manager for Old Dutch, said his company was eager to do whatever it could to assist the Never Alone Foundation.

"We take pride in supporting local venues and charities," Di Quinzio said.

"With the support of great partners such as Wal-Mart and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers Football club, it became a natural to work as a team to fight Cancer and be part of the Never Alone campaign. Thanks to Wal-Mart and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers Football Club for supporting Never Alone."

Dave Walchuk of Wal-Mart Canada said his company welcomed the opportunity to contribute to such a worthy cause.

"Whenever there is an excellent cause or need in our communities and surrounding areas it gives Wal-Mart Canada a great opportunity of reaching out to address that need," said Walchuk, Manitoba District Manager for Wal-Mart Canada.

"Here is a prime example of doing just that with Lyle Bauer and the Never Alone Foundation. In hooking up with the vendor partners such as Old Dutch and our Wal-Mart Good Works Program in Manitoba, we were able to contribute towards this excellent cause. We look forward to working with Lyle's Never Alone Foundation and CancerCare Manitoba in conjunction with vendor partners such as Old Dutch in the near future."

Added Darrell Winters, Winnipeg District Manager for Wal-Mart Canada: "When I heard about the Never Alone Foundation I wanted to get involved. I know too many people who have been touched by cancer. In a meeting with my friends at Old Dutch the topic came up and the next thing you know we are meeting with Lyle. The response from both customers and associates has been fantastic. This is a great partnership and I am very happy that we can contribute."

Barry McArton, Executive Director of the CancerCare Manitoba Foundation, added that his organization greatly appreciates the support of members of the corporate community like Old Dutch and Wal-Mart.

"It's great to see two companies like Old Dutch and Wal-Mart join forces to financially support the incredible work at CancerCare Manitoba through the inspiration and efforts of the Never Alone Foundation," McArton said.

"This collaboration only goes to prove that Manitobans fighting cancer, alongside CancerCare Manitoba researchers and oncologists are, indeed, never alone. This support will be used to help educate all Manitobans about what we can do to reduce our risk of cancer and about the steps that each of us can take to identify cancers at their earliest stage. Together we can win this battle!"

To date, the Never Alone Foundation has raised more than $200,000 for the fight against cancer. That includes the sale of more than 10,000 Never Alone wristbands at various locations throughout Manitoba including Canada Safeway stores, Canad Inns hotels and Ticketmaster.

The foundation also spearheads several other fund-raising initiatives for CancerCare Manitoba including the Never Alone Luncheon and the Never Alone Social to assist in cancer education and awareness, research and patient-support services.

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