NEWS RELEASE
AMERICAN EXPRESS CANADA
***************************
Today, American Express Canada is extending its Shop Small program in partnership with United Way Greater Toronto to provide support to families facing food insecurity as a result of COVID-19. As part of the initiative, The American Express Foundation has already contributed funds towards 50,000 meals to families in need and is now giving Amex cardmembers the opportunity to take action and help double the impact to 100,000 meals when they Shop Small this weekend.
Cardmembers who are enrolled in the Shop Small offer can earn $5 back in statement credits when they spend at least $10 at participating businesses, and from Aug. 21 to 23, American Express will additionally contribute funds to United Way Greater Toronto to provide five meals to families in need, up to a total of 50,000 additional meals.
This Shop Small campaign, the biggest ever in Canada, initially launched in June as an offer to cardmembers to help support small business revival. By participating in the offer, cardmembers can earn statement credits back, support small business recovery and – this weekend – help local families affected by the pandemic.
"At its core, the Shop Small program is about backing our communities," says Lisa Kalhans, president and CEO of American Express Canada. "In these trying times, community is more important than ever and by participating in the program this weekend, cardmembers can take meaningful action to support both the businesses they love and local families in need."
Access to food has emerged as one of the most important and ongoing needs during the pandemic and has reinforced the connection between food security and equity. Contributions from American Express will help provide nourishing meals to local families through United Way's emergency and long-term recovery support.
"In the face of this pandemic, more and more families are struggling with food insecurity. We're seeing too that the issue of hunger is connected to equity and other social determinants of health—such as race, class, health and housing," says Daniele Zanotti, president and CEO, United Way Greater Toronto. "While we continue to address urgent issues for the people and families who need us most, it's so important to sustain our region-wide fundraising campaign to address our community's long-term recovery. That's why this generous gift from Amex is so important."
American Express cardmembers can find participating businesses in their communities in the updated Shop Small Map.
To learn more about American Express Canada's United Way partnership and the Shop Small Program visit here.
***************************
