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Press Release

January 09, 2020

Paradies Lagardère Begins Partnership with Victoria International Airport and Saanich Peninsula Lions Food Bank

Paradies Lagardère and Victoria International Airport are excited to announce a new initiative designed to help fight hunger on the Saanich Peninsula. The program, which launched in December, allows travelers, as well as airline and airport employees, to purchase and donate convenience foods, healthy snacks, HABA, beverages, and other items, which will then be distributed to the Saanich Peninsula Lions Food Bank.

Quotes: “Paradies Lagardère has been successful here in the United States with our Treat Our Troops program – last year alone, we donated more than 1 million items to military personnel around the globe. We’re thrilled to bring similar programs to Canada – and to partner with Victoria International Airport and the Saanich Peninsula Lions Food Bank – to help with food insecurity in the communities in which we live and work,” said Gregg Paradies, president and CEO, Paradies Lagardère. “We’re always looking for new opportunities to make a difference and positively impact the lives of our employees, business partners and customers. Our community is coast to coast and throughout North America.”

“We are pleased to support this new initiative lead by our retail partner Paradies Lagardère,” said Victoria Airport Authority Director, Business Development and Community Relations, Rod Hunchak.”  It’s a very easy way for travelers and airport employees to help those that need it in our community and make a positive difference in their life. 

Additional Information:

Since 1984, the Saanich Peninsula Lions Food Bank has serviced the Saanich Peninsula. The organization "helps those in need through those who care," through a number of initiatives, but primarily by providing food hampers designed to supplement clients’ food needs.

Paradies Lagardère has initiated similar programs at the Edmonton International Airport and Leduc & District Food Bank, the YYC Calgary International Airport and Airdrie Food Bank, the Saskatoon International Airport and Saskatoon Food Bank & Learning Centre, Regina International Airport and Regina Food Bank, and Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport and Winnipeg Harvest, all in 2019.

In the U.S., Paradies Lagardère’s Treat Our Troops program provides travelers, as well as airline and airport employees, the opportunity to purchase goods – from socks and snacks to phone cards and sundries – which are then distributed to military personnel overseas through the USO and other military service organizations.

The program also includes free meals for troops from Memorial Day to Independence Day, and “pay it forward” opportunities in which customers donate meals for active or retired military personnel. In 2018, Treat our Troops allowed travelers in airports throughout the U.S. to donate 1 million items of need to military service men and women around the globe.