DB Schenker Launches Second Annual Cross-Canada Food Drive

(Toronto, May 25, 2009) Building on the success of its 2008 Food Drive that saw the collection of over 40,000 kilograms of food (87,000 lbs.), Schenker of Canada Ltd. is embarking on its second annual food drive. The company is launching its “2009 Nationwide Food Drive” on June 2nd, which marks “National Hunger Awareness Day” – and will run the campaign through June 16th.

Schenker of Canada Ltd., one of the leading logistics service providers to the food industry, will be placing food collection bins in each of its 40 offices across Canada. The company is urging its customers and suppliers to do the same. At the end of the Food Drive, representatives of Schenker of Canada Ltd. will collect the food bins for distribution to local food banks.

”Hunger is a persistent and unacceptable problem in Canada, with more than 700,000 Canadians turning to community food banks for assistance each month,” says Katharine Schmidt, Executive Director of Food Banks Canada. “For every person using a food bank, it is estimated that three or four others are struggling to get the food they need.”

”In Canada, the problem of hunger is in large part a problem of income,” adds Gail Nyberg, Executive Director of Toronto’s Daily Bread Food Bank. “The growing prevalence of low paying, part time and temporary jobs prevent some Canadians from having a chance to earn a living wage. Many low income working Canadians rely on emergency food assistance. That coupled with the downturn in our economy means we are seeing more and more people turning to food banks.”

According to Food Banks Canada’s HungerCount 2008, 14.5% of food bank clients’ primary source of income is employment; while 12.7% are on disability income; 50.8% are on social assistance; and 6.5% are pensioners. Sadly, 37.1% of food bank recipients are children.

“We’re urging our employees, customers, business partners – even our competitors – to help us work to reduce hunger in Canada,” says Claude Germain, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Schenker of Canada Ltd. “Get involved. Together, we will make a difference.”

About Schenker of Canada
Schenker of Canada Ltd. is the 2nd largest Integrated Logistics Service Provider in Canada, with sales of over $1Billion and operating from over 40 sites across the country. The company spans a coast-to-coast network that extends to all major harbours, airports and border crossings. In just over half a century, the business has grown to include 1,700 employees. Schenker of Canada Ltd. has a portfolio of supply chain services in Canada that include: Contract Warehousing/Distribution, Dedicated Freight Management, Ocean and Air Freight, Courier, Land Transportation, Customs Brokerage and Consulting, and services for Sports Events.