This year marks an unprecedented wildfire season across Canada. Communities and partners (employees) from coast-to-coast-to-coast have been uniquely impacted by the worst wildfire season on record. In the last few days alone, we’ve seen emergency evacuations ordered for the people of Yellowknife, Northwest Territories and Kelowna, British Columbia as wildfires impact local communities.

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Our thoughts are with the people of Yellowknife, Kelowna, and the many other communities across Canada navigating the devastating effects of wildfires this past year. In response to the ongoing impact of these natural disasters, Starbucks Canada and The Starbucks Foundation are working directly with the Canadian Red Cross to provide grants and support to those in need. This year, The Starbucks Foundation provided a total of $100,000 to the Canadian Red Cross to support disaster recovery for efforts such as these.

In addition to this contribution, effective August 21, customers will be able to make donations to the Canadian Red Cross at the register in Starbucks stores in Canada. The donations will be used by the Canadian Red Cross to assist in wildfire relief efforts nationwide. Starbucks Canada remains committed to supporting our partners and the communities we serve.

Customers may also make a donation directly to the Canadian Red Cross using this <a href="https://secure.redcross.ca/registrant/donate.aspx?eventid=384865&amp;langpref=en-CA">link</a>.

Available at participating stores. Starbucks Coffee Company will give the Canadian Red Cross 100% of all donations collected at participating Starbucks stores in Canada during the Program period. The Canadian Red Cross will not receive your contact information. Starbucks cannot provide a receipt for your donation at the register. Should you require a donation receipt from the Canadian Red Cross, please call 1-800-418-1111 to donate by phone, or give online at redcross.ca. The Canadian Red Cross name, emblem and copyrighted materials are being used with its permission, which in no way constitutes an endorsement, express or implied, of any product, service, company, opinion, or political position. The Canadian Red Cross logo is a registered trademark owned by The Canadian National Red Cross. For more information about the Canadian Red Cross, please visit redcross.ca.

Starbucks Canada Supports Communities Impacted by Wildfires Nationwide - Starbucks Canada

Starbucks Canada

Starbucks Canada Supports Communities Impacted by Wildfires Nationwide

This year marks an unprecedented wildfire season across Canada. Communities and partners (employees) from coast-to-coast-to-coast have been uniquely impacted by the worst wildfire season on record. In the last few days alone, we’ve seen emergency evacuations ordered for the people of Yellowknife, Northwest Territories and Kelowna, British Columbia as wildfires impact local communities. Our thoughts […]

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BUSTAMANTE, Costa Rica – For Kattya Hidalgo, the chickens came first. Then the eggs. It’s not clear which bring her more joy.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Hidalgo, 46, is part of a cohort of women farmers who work with <a href="https://www.beanvoyage.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bean Voyage</a>, a Costa Rican nonprofit supported in part by The Starbucks Foundation, that empowers smallholder women coffee farmers with training in farming techniques, climate change, business fundamentals, financial literacy and project management.&nbsp;&nbsp;

After they finish a year-long curriculum, they can apply for seed money to start income-diversification projects.&nbsp;

With $300 last year, Hidalgo bought eight chickens and built a coop.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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“Hens caught my attention the most because here at home, we rarely eat meat. We prefer to eat eggs,” Hidalgo says. “But eggs are very expensive. We would limit ourselves to one egg a day. If you had eggs for lunch, you had no right to eat eggs at night.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“I can’t explain to you the joy of seeing the first eggs, seeing my children – ‘Mommy, eggs!’ – eating eggs produced by me.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Since March 2022, <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/the-starbucks-foundation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Starbucks Foundation</a> has awarded 10 grants totaling nearly $3 million to nonprofits working with women in coffee and tea-growing communities across seven countries, including Bean Voyage. This announcement, on International Women’s Day, is part of the Foundation’s continuing <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2022/the-starbucks-foundation-commits-to-uplift-one-million-women-and-girls-in-origin-communities-by-2030/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">goal to positively impact 1 million women and girls in “origin communities” by 2030</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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“We’re proud to work with nonprofits to reach women in coffee and tea-growing communities like Kattya,” says Alicia Vermaele, executive director of The Starbucks Foundation. “Through our Origin Grants, we’re helping to create opportunities and promote more equitable access to resources that enable women to improve their lives and livelihoods. We know that when we invest in a woman, we uplift not only that woman, but also her family and her community – leading to a brighter future for all.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

With these grants, The Starbucks Foundation expects to reach an additional 60,000 women and girls over the next three years.&nbsp;

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In January, Sunghee Tark, co-founder and CEO of Bean Voyage, visited Hidalgo’s farm to check in on her and her hen project. Tark started the nonprofit in 2016 with her friend, Abhinav Khanal, after they graduated from college, in response to the millions of “invisible” women who work on coffee farms around the world. They chose the name Bean Voyage to help women coffee producers “feel like they’re traveling the world through their coffee,” Tark says.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Because of how the coffee industry has been structured, and then the cultural elements in many parts of the world, including Latin America, a lot of times, the work that women do isn’t necessarily valued the same way as the work that men do,” Tark says.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“As an organization, we believe that if women are provided with the resources and then the right conditions, they will know what to do moving forward. What we do is make those resources available so they can actually go out and build their own future for themselves.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

For 22 years, Hidalgo worked as a legal assistant in San José, the bustling capital of Costa Rica. But then her boss, a lawyer, died. She and her family moved back to the countryside, where she’d grown up, and took over a coffee, fruit and vegetable farm. Though she was enthusiastic, there was a lot to learn. That’s when she heard about Bean Voyage and became intrigued by its mission.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“We live not only in a country, but in a world of aggression, where women have always been given very little space,” Hidalgo says. “Here and everywhere, people have always believed that men are the ones in charge, the ones who have to bring food to the table, and that women are only meant to raise children, and it's not like that. We live in times of equality when both you and I can work, and we both can contribute.”&nbsp;

Hidalgo says she’s learned so much from Bean Voyage – not only about better farming techniques but also about being a leader in her community, climate change adaptation and business and entrepreneurship. She sometimes sells her extra eggs to neighbors, which provides additional income. And she hopes to export her coffee one day.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“I want to keep learning. I no longer see myself as someone who struggles to learn,” she says. “On the contrary, I want to learn more every day and become even better than what I am.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

“I love them. You have no idea,” she says, laughing. “My hens will die of old age, but I won’t eat them.”&nbsp;

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The Starbucks Foundation Origin Grant recipients

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Three women smiling outside on a farm, holding a plastic tub of eggs

Here’s what impact looks like. Meet Kattya, a smallholder coffee farmer in Costa Rica, who’s building a better life for her family, one egg at a time.

New round of grants from The Starbucks Foundation will help uplift women and girls in coffee-growing communities

https://stories.starbucks.ca/en-ca/stories/2023/the-starbucks-foundation-announces-grants-to-uplift-1-million-women-and-girls-in-coffee-growing-communities/

At Starbucks we aspire to be people-positive by enhancing the&nbsp;well-being&nbsp;of all who&nbsp;connect with Starbucks, from our partners (employees) to customers, coffee farmers and&nbsp;communities around the world.&nbsp;&nbsp;​

​Our purpose has always gone beyond the pursuit of profit and beyond making&nbsp;great coffee. We have a responsibility to care for people across the entire supply chain who make coffee possible – from bean to cup, farmer to customer.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“To create a sustainable future of coffee, we must care for the well-being of the farmers and communities that&nbsp;grow coffee, tea and cocoa around the world,” said Michelle Burns, Starbucks executive vice president of Global Coffee Tea and Cocoa and board member of The Starbucks Foundation. “While we continue to provide holistic support to all farmers, helping to improve their lives and livelihoods, we know that when we invest in women, we are also investing in her community.”

That’s why in 2018, <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/the-starbucks-foundation/">The Starbucks Foundation</a> set a goal to empower 250,000 women and girls in coffee-, tea- and cocoa-growing&nbsp;communities by 2025. In 2022 we met this goal – three years ahead of schedule – thanks to partnerships with&nbsp;nonprofit organizations around the world. Now, The Starbucks Foundation has set a new goal to positively impact 1 million&nbsp;women and girls in coffee-, tea- and cocoa-growing communities by 2030 as part of Starbucks people positive ambitions.

“Our longstanding and trusted partnership with The Starbucks Foundation has allowed us to lean into our respective expertise and truly collaborate around our shared vision to strengthen communities around the world,” said Tjada D’Oyen McKenna, CEO of Mercy Corps, one of The Starbucks Foundation’s grantees. “We are passionate about meeting the unique needs of women and girls globally and recognize the vast gender disparities between men and women.”

This progress includes more than 40 grants totaling $14 million from The Starbucks Foundation to nonprofit organizations since 2018. These grants promote&nbsp;women’s leadership, economic opportunities and access to clear water, sanitation and&nbsp;hygiene (WASH) in coffee-, tea- and cocoa-growing communities in 17 countries.​

Read more about our commitment to women and girls <a href="https://stories.starbucks.ca/en-ca/stories/2022/16994/">here</a> and see the list of The Starbucks Foundation’s recently awarded grants below

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The Starbucks Foundation has set a new goal to positively impact 1 million women and girls in coffee-, tea- and cocoa-growing communities by 2030 as part of Starbucks people positive ambitions.

The Starbucks Foundation commits to positively impact 1 million women and girls in origin communities by 2030 - Starbucks Canada

The Starbucks Foundation commits to positively impact 1 million women and girls in origin communities by 2030

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Ahead of International Women’s Day, The Starbucks Foundation extends its commitment to use Origins Grants to impact an additional 1 million women and girls by 2030

Kezia Mukamana grew up in the southern part of Rwanda, a country torn apart by genocide nearly 30 years ago, when more than 800,000 people were killed. Since then, the country has faced many issues: poverty; high levels of gender-based violence; degraded, overworked and unproductive plots of land; and loss of knowledge of sustainable farming practices.

By the time she reached her 40s, Kezia was married with four children, eating just one meal per day, with no consistent source of income or savings.&nbsp;&nbsp;

But things started to change when she received a cow and training in sustainable farming practices from Send A Cow, a nonprofit supported in part by The Starbucks Foundation.

Through its Ikawa N’Inka (Coffee and Cows) project, the cow has provided Kezia and her family milk to drink, a little more to sell and manure for fertilizer which has boosted agricultural production. Last year, the family doubled the output from their coffee trees, which helped provide enough extra income to join a savings program, invest in a household vegetable garden, buy medical insurance and pay for the children’s school fees.&nbsp;

Kezia and her family were able to gift a calf from their cow to support another family, and she’s now helping to share the training she has received with other community members.

“Also, family harmony has improved, and our life in general,” Kezia says. “In this community, women used to move around with baskets asking for vegetables to feed their families. Now they can produce their own.”

Today, The Starbucks Foundation announced that it has reached a milestone of helping empower 250,000 women and girls in coffee, tea and cocoa growing communities around the world, like the one Kezia lives in. The Starbucks Foundation has invested more than $14 million in women and girls, distributed through Origin Grants to more than 20 nonprofit organizations such as Send A Cow.

Ahead of International Women’s Day, The Starbucks Foundation is furthering its goal, announcing plans to impact 1 million additional women and girls in these communities by 2030. It’s part of Starbucks People Positive aspirations focused on enhancing the well-being of all who connect with Starbucks.

As with the initial investments, the next phase of support will focus on the same three pillars: promoting economic opportunity and empowerment, advancing women’s leadership and increasing access to clean water, sanitization and hygiene.

The goals are part of Starbucks bigger commitment to sourcing coffee responsibly, a commitment that extends to all coffee, cocoa and tea growing communities around the world. It’s a commitment that starts with ensuring the well-being of farmers and their families, especially the women in these communities who often face social and economic barriers.

“We have a vision to ensure a sustainable future of coffee for all,” says Michelle Burns, Starbucks executive vice president of Global Coffee, Tea and Cocoa, who also sits on The Starbucks Foundation Board. “This goes beyond farmers and farm workers to also supporting the well-being of all those in coffee communities, helping everyone thrive.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“We continue to see the incredible impact of these Origin Grants on creating socioeconomic and leadership opportunities for women and girls that in turn helps their entire family to improve their lives and livelihoods.”&nbsp;

Breakthrough solutions through partnerships&nbsp;

To identify the right projects and create the most impact, The Starbucks Foundation seeks to work with stakeholders with the most expertise. That’s why long-term partnerships with nonprofits like <a href="https://www.mercycorps.org/">Mercy Corps</a> are so important.

For nearly two decades, The Starbucks Foundation and Mercy Corps have collaborated to address needs in coffee, tea and cocoa growing communities.&nbsp;

“I’m really proud of the way we have approached working together, co-designing comprehensive programs while keeping the needs and hopes of community members at the center of all we do,” says Tjada D’Oyen McKenna, Chief Executive Officer of Mercy Corps. “We must work in partnership to find breakthrough solutions that will help us solve the world’s toughest problems and achieve more than we could alone.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Through the partnership, Mercy Corps has offered financial inclusion and entrepreneurship training programs for indigenous women in Guatemala; helped women coffee growers in Colombia gain access to formal property rights and learn about more sustainable land and water management practices; provided mentoring to women coffee farmers in Indonesia to improve their health and economic livelihoods; and supported women <a href="https://www.mercycorps.org/blog/women-frontlines-covid-19-awareness">in tea communities in India</a> in keeping their families safe and healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“When we think about supporting women and girls globally, the real problem isn’t women – their capacity or their confidence – but rather the systems that have been designed to exclude them,” D’Oyen McKenna says. “In order for women to take their place as equals and leaders in their communities, we all need to promote women’s choices and priorities, shift social norms and behaviors, find ways to measure and value the care economy, help women move up the value chain and engage women in discussions and decisions around natural resource management and climate change.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

A commitment to farmers and their families

The Starbucks Foundation’s Origins Grants work complements the company’s commitment to empower communities in coffee, tea and cocoa growing communities. Starbucks is currently piloting several programs focused on creating income diversification and building childcare centers to support coffee families during harvest.&nbsp;

In Guatemala, Starbucks and the <a href="https://wakamiglobal.com/wakami-foundation/">Wakami Foundation</a> are identifying women entrepreneurs in rural coffee communities and helping them create women’s groups to produce high-quality, on-trend products to sell in the global marketplace. They’re also introducing regenerative agriculture initiatives, such as raising chickens to produce eggs to sell locally, and cultivating and exporting izote, a high-demand ornamental houseplant that can be grown adjacent to coffee fields.

Income diversification is important when&nbsp;the coffee yield isn’t enough, given the small-farm nature of coffee production in Guatemala.&nbsp;

Starbucks is also helping fund different childcare center models in partnership with coffee suppliers in countries such as Guatemala, Nicaragua and Costa Rica, so families have a safe place to drop off children while they work. The centers make sure children have nutritious meals during the day and receive educational instruction and social play to support their well-being while schools are closed during this time of year for their summer holiday.

Ahead of International Women’s Day, The Starbucks Foundation extends its commitment to use Origins Grants to impact an additional 1 million women and girls by 2030

The Starbucks Foundation reaches goal of empowering 250,000 women in coffee, tea &amp; cocoa growing communities - Starbucks Canada

The Starbucks Foundation reaches goal of empowering 250,000 women in coffee, tea &amp; cocoa growing communities

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The Starbucks Foundation reaches goal of empowering 250,000 women in coffee, tea & cocoa growing communities

With soaring demand since the onset of the pandemic, food banks across Canada are facing even greater challenges as the holidays approach. Starbucks Canada today is pledging an additional $25,000 in funding to Food Banks Canada and has created a way for customers to digitally donate, as shortages of food and fewer volunteers this year are making it even more difficult to distribute food to vulnerable Canadians.

Food insecurity grew by 38% in the early months of the pandemic, according to Food Banks Canada. Now, one in seven Canadian households are experiencing food insecurity, and what’s worse is that grocery bills are predicted to increase by nearly $700* for the average family in 2021.

“As we go into the holiday season, know that food banks continue to work in overdrive for our neighbours in need. This year, more than ever, people understand that food insecurity could happen to anybody,” says Chris Hatch, CEO, Food Banks Canada.

Earlier this year, Starbucks Canada and The Starbucks Foundation <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://stories.starbucks.ca/en/stories/2020/starbucks-canada-donates-over-1-million-to-help-growing-food-crisis/" target="_blank">donated over $1 million of food and cash</a> to help food banks replenish their stock and adapt their operations so that Canadians in need could continue to get access to food. Specifically, Starbucks Canada donated more than $650,000 in food and funds and The Starbucks Foundation donated $350,000 in funds to help, but hunger continues to be a big and growing challenge. Additional funds and support are needed as demand continues to rise.

Starbucks Canada is offering customers digital, cashless opportunities to join the company in donating to their local food banks. Through January 15, customers can donate funds through <a href="https://foodbankscanada.akaraisin.com/Starbucks" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Starbucks Canada’s donation page</a> on Food Banks Canada or through the link in the <a href="https://www.starbucks.ca/rewards/mobile-apps" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Starbucks app</a>. Contributions will ensure vulnerable Canadians have food now and when the pandemic is over.&nbsp;

“Food banks from coast to coast to coast have stepped up to help, even with extreme drops in volunteers and significant impacts from the pandemic,” says Hatch. “(Canadians’) help during this difficult time is needed and very much valued (to) help us achieve our vision of a Canada where no one goes hungry.”

To learn more about Starbucks Canada’s community impact throughout COVID-19, please <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://stories.starbucks.ca/en/stories/2020/what-customers-need-to-know-about-starbucks-response-to-covid-19/" target="_blank">visit our at-a-glance overview</a>.

*Source: <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.dal.ca/sites/agri-food/research/canada-s-food-price-report-2021.html" target="_blank">Canada’s Food Price Report 2021</a>

Starbucks Canada Pledges Additional $25K to Food Banks in Canada to Address Urgent Need

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As the world contends with rising cases in the COVID-19 pandemic, the impact of another serious illness continues to be felt in communities both at home and abroad.

Over the last four years in Canada alone, the number of new HIV cases has risen by more than 25 per cent* due in part to a lack of education and awareness, according to the Canadian AIDS Society (CAS). This December 1st, World AIDS Day, CAS is hoping to dial up the conversation.

“We’re not talking about HIV anymore. A lot of people don’t think it’s an issue, but it’s becoming one of the biggest health issues in Canada,” says Gary Lacasse, executive director of The Canadian AIDS Society.&nbsp;“Sexual health is also taboo in a lot of different groups and there’s a lack of knowledge and awareness campaigns to discuss the issue with different circles who are at risk of contracting HIV.”&nbsp;

One way to address the HIV and AIDS stigma is to educate yourself to gain a better <a href="http://www.cdnaids.ca/wp-content/uploads/Common-Misconceptions.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">understanding of its misconceptions</a> and gain empathy for <a href="http://www.cdnaids.ca/wp-content/uploads/Strategies-for-People-Living-with-HIV.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">people living with the disease</a>.

Ongoing stigmas and misconceptions make it difficult for people living with the illness to feel comfortable sharing their experiences. For Levi Parker-Styles, a Starbucks Canada district manager, overcoming the stigma has been an ongoing struggle since he was diagnosed with HIV in 2018.

“Honestly, [the stigma] still makes me feel uncomfortable. I can’t help but think that the moment people learn about my diagnosis, I am seen as lesser,” Parker-Styles says. “Whether at work or personally, I am constantly aware of my situation and though I feel empowered each time I share my experience, it still feels like I lose a little of myself. The need to share, the need to ‘come out each time,’ it weighs on you, emotionally, more than one might think.”

Despite the risk of judgement he faces, Parker-Styles says he knows that without education, it is hard to correct false public perceptions about the disease. Today, he shares his experience in hopes it will spark important conversations about HIV, lessen the stigma and, hopefully, encourage more people to get tested so they know their status.

“If, in sharing my own journey, I can affect one person – whether that be in terms of support or education, I know I will have made a difference,” he says.&nbsp;

While roughly 20 per cent of people who are living with HIV don’t know their status, the biggest myth, according to CAS, is that <a href="https://www.unaids.org/en/frequently-asked-questions-about-hiv-and-aids#:~:text=HIV%20can%20be%20transmitted%20through,higher%20than%20by%20vaginal%20sex." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">HIV is easily transmittable</a> and easily manageable. Despite effective medications available to help patients manage their symptoms and complications, there is still no cure for HIV and AIDS.

“Because the drugs [to treat the illness] are so advanced right now, there’s the false impression that people aren’t getting sick and that there is a cure,” explains Bridget Hall, Board of Directors Chair at CAS. Hall is referencing the fact that today, those like Parker-Styles who are living with HIV can manage their illness with a once-a-day pill.&nbsp;

In addition, there are often high costs associated with treatment. As a benefits-eligible partner (employee), Parker-Styles’ medication is covered, which he says “takes the worry out of the experience that so many of my friends still face. Imagine having to pay $2,000 a month, every month, with no support.”

Starbucks supports the fight against AIDS

On Dec. 1, in recognition of Giving Tuesday and World AIDS Day, The Starbucks Foundation will donate $500,000 USD to the Global Fund to help fight AIDS with <a href="https://www.red.org/">(RED)</a>.

The donation will support the Global Fund’s COVID-19 Response, which aims to strengthen health systems and mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on AIDS programs. These funds will help protect the extraordinary gains the global health community has made in the fight against AIDS and ensure continued access to life-saving treatment and services.

Since Starbucks partnership with (RED) began in 2008, Starbucks has generated more than $16 million in donations to help fight AIDS.

This donation builds on The Starbucks Foundation’s investments to support <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2020/the-starbucks-foundation-supporting-community-response-and-resilience-during-covid-19/" target="_blank">community response and resilience during COVID-19</a>. The Starbucks Foundation has contributed more than $9 million to a variety of global and local nonprofit partners, including Mercy Corps, the United Nations Foundation and over 400 <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://stories.starbucks.ca/en/stories/2020/the-starbucks-foundation-invests-145k-in-grants-to-support-local-communities-across-canada/" target="_blank">community-based organizations across Canada</a> and the U.S. in response to COVID-19.&nbsp;

To learn more about how you can get involved this World AIDS Day, visit The Canadian AIDS Society for <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.cdnaids.ca/resources/" target="_blank">links to resources</a>, to <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.cdnaids.ca/members/" target="_blank">find local organizations</a>, and to <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.cdnaids.ca/resources/hiv-information-hotlines/" target="_blank">access information hotlines and support</a>.

*<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.cdnaids.ca/canada-sees-its-fourth-consecutive-year-of-increasing-hiv-rates/" target="_blank">2018 report</a> from the Public Health Agency of Canada

Over the last four years in Canada alone, the number of new HIV cases has risen by more than 25 per cent* due in part to a lack of education and awareness, according to the Canadian AIDS Society (CAS). This December 1st, World AIDS Day, CAS is hoping to dial up the conversation.

Behind the Green Apron: Raising Awareness in the Fight against HIV and AIDS One Person at a Time

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As <a href="https://stories.starbucks.ca/en/stories/2020/what-customers-need-to-know-about-starbucks-response-to-covid-19/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Starbucks continues to navigate COVID-19</a>, the company is focused on caring for the health and well-being of partners (employees) and customers, and doing its part to support the communities it serves.

To build on its <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2020/the-starbucks-foundation-supporting-community-response-and-resilience-during-covid-19/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">contributions toward COVID-19 community response</a> to date, The Starbucks Foundation has selected more than 400 organizations across Canada and the U.S. to receive grants in its third round of Neighbourhood Grants. These grants, which total $1.4 million, were informed and inspired by Starbucks partners who highlighted the causes and organizations uplifting their communities during COVID-19.

In Canada, we heard from our partners about how hunger relief, supporting families and children, and addressing homelessness are top of mind. Thanks to nearly 400 partner nominations, $145,000 in grants are being distributed to 56 local organizations across the country.&nbsp;

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Neighbourhood Grants are intended to strengthen the community around our stores, inspire increased partner volunteerism and create sustained engagement with local communities. Through this initiative, The Starbucks Foundation engages partners to share insights from their own communities to help inform grant decisions.

We empower our partners to make a difference in the communities they love and serve every day. Below, five partners share the causes that are close to their hearts and how the Neighbourhood Grants will make an impact as organizations respond to COVID-19.

<a href="http://www.thesouphaven.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Soup Haven Lunch Program</a> — Yorkton, Sask.

The Soup Haven Lunch Program is dedicated to serving healthy lunches free of charge to children in need at local schools. In response to COVID-19, the non-profit has organized three locations in Yorkton, Sask. where people can pick up lunches for their children on weekdays.&nbsp;

Store manager Bobby Holstein used to rely on lunches from The Soup Haven whenever the rural farm he grew up on experienced week-long power outages.

“When this happened, I would receive food items from school provided by The Soup Haven Lunch Program. During elementary school, I also spent my mornings, lunch hour and after-school time volunteering in our community school kitchen, which received donations from The Soup Haven. Since then, my volunteer time and partnership with them has given me many opportunities to strengthen my skills, lead cooking groups, earn volunteer awards and even land my first job! It is very special to be able to nominate an organization that has impacted my own life.”

How the grant will help: “We will use this grant to continue providing lunches for children, as well as hampers for families in need. We anticipate this need to grow in the future,” said program director Marilyn Dyck. “We really appreciate The Starbucks Foundation’s support in this unprecedented time. We are thankful that Starbucks is part of our community!”&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.batshawfoundation.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Batshaw Youth And Family Centres Foundation</a> — Montreal, Que.

Batshaw Youth and Family Centres Foundation is a grassroots organization with the mission to break the cycle of abuse and neglect experienced by many children and youth.

Store manager Cassidy Vanderveen experienced homelessness as a youth, which is why she strongly believes in the mission of Batshaw Youth and Family Centres.

“Homelessness doesn't always look like we think it does. I left home when I was 13 and never went back. If I had had an organization like Batshaw Youth and Family Centres to go to, I strongly believe a lot of things in my life wouldn't have been so traumatizing. I learned survival skills when I was homeless, but survival skills don't eventually lead to a full life. A lot of kids give up and it's so important that organizations like Batshaw are there so they don't. Batshaw gives people the tools and resources they need to function in society. If we invest in places like the Batshaw Centre, I strongly feel it would reduce homeless adults because they would have gotten the support they needed earlier in life. When we take care of our most vulnerable, we take care of our society as a whole.”

How the grant will help: “The funds received will be distributed directly to the specific needs of a family or child, through a dedicated social worker,” said Wendy Khan, director of development.&nbsp;“It will also provide families with groceries, pharmaceuticals, or other emergency supplies to help them get through this extremely challenging time. Sometimes, financial support can keep families together and prevent children from being placed in the foster system.”

<a href="https://www.the519.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The 519</a> — Toronto, Ont.

The 519 is a City of Toronto agency, a registered charity, and Canada’s prominent LGBTQ2S Community Centre. The 519 strives to make a real difference in people’s lives by delivering essential services for the most vulnerable and marginalized, and leading advocacy, anti-violence, and access to justice initiatives. During COVID-19, The 519 mobilized to transform its operations to continue to provide critical services with a focus on food security, mental health and social isolation, clothing, harm reduction, counselling, settlement, referral and other support services.

According to district manager Levi Parker-Styles, The 519 “saved his life,” so he wanted to recognize them by nominating them for a grant.

“I had always feared sexual health, due to the uncertainty of living my life as a gay male. I knew I had an obligation to be regularly tested, but there was always a sense of fear — fear of judgement, fear of misinformation... When I mustered up the courage to go to The 519 to get tested, I learned I was HIV positive. In an instant, my world shattered; I felt empty. But the care and support I was provided was incredible, from the nurse that took my sample to the help I received seeking mental health resources. Today I live my life as a healthy individual because of their care and concern for me as a human being. I am thriving today because they saw me as a person who needed help, and I am forever indebted.”

How the grant will help: “The grant will directly help our essential services work to support our community’s most marginalized and vulnerable,” said Stacy Kelly, director of philanthropy. “Our sincerest thanks to The Starbucks Foundation and Starbucks Canada. Our ongoing COVID-19 response is largely unfunded, and we are relying on and are so grateful for the continued support of individuals, organizations, and companies who are answering our call to help us ensure no one is left behind.”

<a href="https://www.girlguides.ca/web/AB/Parents/About_Us/AB/About_Us.aspx?hkey=dd7f89da-c9ed-4037-a98b-15734a157c6d" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Girl Guides of Canada - Alberta </a>— Cochrane, Alta.

Girl Guides of Canada provides a safe environment for girls and women to feel a sense of belonging. The organization empowers girls to find their voice, build friendships, and make a difference in the world.&nbsp;

Store manager Marianne Spring has fond memories of being a Girl Guide as a child and attending weekly Brownie meetings. She now volunteers with the organization and has also enrolled her daughter.&nbsp;

“As a mother to an only child, one of the biggest challenges I have faced during this pandemic is issues with social development and maintaining friendships. My six-year-old daughter struggled with social connection at school and feels connected to her fellow Girl Guides. Other families in my community are experiencing the same challenges. Girl Guides gives our girls a sense of normalcy and pride in accomplishment, and they’ve been hosting weekly virtual campfires to bring our girls together.

As a volunteer, I have also found friendships within my community with other moms who share my passion for female leadership and growth. Providing Canadians a support structure like this, especially now, is so important to maintaining mental health.”

How the grant will help: “In this time of COVID-19 where we have switched to online programming, the grant will be used to support the delivery of program materials needed by each girl to complete program activities,” said Heather Monahan, the administrative manager at Girl Guides of Canada, Alberta &amp; Saskatchewan Council. “Depending on the unit needing funds, it could be used for craft supplies, science magic, or even online access for members. We are committed to continuing our programs and ensuring that cost is not a deterrent to anyone who wants to join in becoming and staying involved.”

<a href="https://www.squamishhelpinghands.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Squamish Helping Hands Society</a> — Squamish, B.C.&nbsp;

Squamish Helping Hands Society provides food services and safe, reliable emergency shelter to those in Sea-to-Sky communities. Its network of nurses, mental health professionals and case workers also assist people transitioning from homeless to housed.&nbsp;

District manager Jaime Martins revealed that one of his store managers, Anita Kingston, has been a long-time volunteer advocate of Squamish Helping Hands Society.&nbsp;

“[Anita] fostered the bridge between our partners and this organization through an annual holiday volunteer event. Since its inception in 2007, our partners have always, as available, participated in this relationship, as well as other partnerships in the community like Hilltop House Support Society (a long-term care facility), Squamish Watershed Society, and the Howe Sound Women’s Centre. In this community, supporting these causes is not just about supporting ‘strangers’ in need. Very often it’s people we know: some are our customers, some friends, and in some cases family members.”

How the grant will help:&nbsp;“The grant will potentially go toward our outreach and food programs, as well as toward our welcome packages as we get ready (in October) to move into our permanent home at Under One Roof,” said executive director Maureen Mackell. “I read a quote recently which says, ‘Heroes are not giant statues framed against a red sky. They are people who say: this is my community, and it is my responsibility to make it better.’ When Starbucks as a company decides to help out like this in the local communities where they are doing business, they are recognizing that it’s their community too and taking responsibility to make it better. That’s a great way for a company to stand up and be counted.”

Map of Canada with icons showing the greatest needs across the country

To build on its contributions toward COVID-19 community response to date, The Starbucks Foundation has selected more than 400 organizations across Canada and the U.S. to receive grants in its third round of Neighbourhood Grants.

The Starbucks Foundation Invests $145,000 in Grants to Support Local Communities across Canada

https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/sites/9/2020/06/Home-Stripe-Community-Grants.jpg

https://stories.starbucks.ca/en-ca/stories/2020/the-starbucks-foundation-invests-145k-in-grants-to-support-local-communities-across-canada/

Recipients include Food Banks Canada, Second Harvest, Yonge Street Mission, and Woods Homes

Hunger is part of the COVID-19 crisis. Last year, there were 1.1 million visits to food banks per month, but in the past two weeks alone, there’s been a 20 per cent increase in use, according to Food Banks Canada. As COVID-19 evolves, that number is expected to climb even higher.

“My biggest concern is running out of food in food banks,” said Food Banks Canada CEO Chris Hatch said. “I am fearful of what’s coming around the corner with increased demand, so we’re trying to get additional food and bulk buy at a very large-scale volume and then transport it to the people that need it.”&nbsp;

This sudden spike in demand has put tremendous strain on food banks and community outreach organizations, who are experiencing a shortage of volunteers, staff, and food donations. “Many of the agencies we deliver to have had to shut their doors because they’re run by volunteers,” said Lori Nikkel, CEO of Second Harvest, Canada's largest food rescue organization. “A lot of seniors support non-profits and they’re our most compromised category of people — so we’ve had to change our system.” 

In order to comply with Public Health requirements of physical distancing, food banks and community outreach centers have had to adapt their operations. Now, instead of inviting people into their space to shop or share a meal, many have adjusted to meeting clients in designated pick-up spots with pre-packed food boxes. Others have moved to an appointment-only model to minimize crowds and some have even begun doing home deliveries.&nbsp;

“We’re working with partners to ensure we can actually change our system to get meals out to people. We’re trying to figure out solutions to get food right to their hands,” Nikkel said.

It’s obvious that hunger is part of the crisis, especially as many food banks are now facing a food shortage. Food banks “only have a 10 to 14-day supply on average, and [it’s] not being replenished fast enough,” Hatch said.&nbsp;

With stock diminishing so rapidly, it’s made it harder for vulnerable Canadians, such as the elderly, homeless, and people on social assistance or disability supports, to get access to food.&nbsp;

How Starbucks Canada and The Starbucks Foundation are helping

In response to this growing food crisis, Starbucks Canada and The Starbucks Foundation announced that, combined, they will donate over $1 million in food and financial support to help the complex changing realities of food banks and community outreach organizations. This includes helping them shift their operational needs and providing drivers from Starbucks Canada's&nbsp;foodservice distributor GFS (Gordon Food Service) to deliver food to those most in need.

Two-thirds of the support will come from Starbucks Canada in the way of food donations from its distribution centers to help replenish stock in food banks across the country. Assistance will be spread across Canada, helping among others: Moisson Food Bank in Montreal; Second Harvest in Toronto; Calgary Food Bank and Inn from the Cold in Calgary; and Quest Food Exchange, Surrey Food Bank, and Maple Ridge Food Bank in Vancouver.

Included in the over $1 million, The Starbucks Foundation will contribute financial support by donating $280,000 to <a href="https://foodbankscanada.akaraisin.com/Donation/Event/DonationInfo.aspx?seid=22099&amp;mid=48" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Food Banks Canada’s COVID-19 Response Fund (opens in a new tab)">Food Banks Canada’s COVID-19 Response Fund</a>. This contribution will help provide resources (for example, boxes for pre-packaged food) to local food banks so that they can adapt their operations to comply with physical distancing. It will also allow them to hire more staff to keep up with demand and allow them to replenish their dwindling stock.

Additionally, The Starbucks Foundation will donate $70,000 to Second Harvest. The funds will go towards the organization’s <a href="https://secure.e2rm.com/registrant/DonationPage.aspx?eventid=311023" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)">COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund</a> to support the delivery, redistribution, and logistics of the food donation supply chain during the pandemic.&nbsp;

“We are grateful for the support of Starbucks and The Starbucks Foundation to ensure that people can access the food they need to be healthy,” CEO Nikkel said. “This donation helps keep our trucks on the road... to move the food and coordinate where it’s going.”

And finally, Starbucks Canada is donating $24,000 to its existing social agency partners, <a href="https://www.ysm.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)">Yonge Street Mission</a> in Toronto and <a href="https://www.woodshomes.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)">Woods Homes </a>in Calgary, to help meet their increased demand to produce meals for the vulnerable youth they serve.

Supporting food banks is just one way Starbucks Canada and The Starbucks Foundation are <a href="https://stories.starbucks.ca/en/stories/2020/what-customers-need-to-know-about-starbucks-response-to-covid-19/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)">responding to COVID-19</a>. Earlier this month, The Starbucks Foundation <a href="https://stories.starbucks.ca/en/stories/2020/what-customers-need-to-know-about-starbucks-response-to-covid-19/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)">donated $200,000</a> to support COVID-19 drives with hospital foundations across the country, and to support the United Way Centraide’s COVID-19 Community Response and Recovery Fund to ensure vulnerable Canadians have basic needs during the pandemic. Additionally, since March 26, Starbucks Canada has been <a href="https://stories.starbucks.ca/en/stories/2020/starbucks-partners-covid-19-front-line-responders/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)">offering free coffee to first responders</a> as a way to say thank you for the incredible service they’re providing Canadians.

It’s important that we all do what we can to help each other in this time of need. Starbucks is making it easy for its customers to donate to their local food banks, if they can. Visit the <a href="https://foodbankscanada.akaraisin.com/Starbucks" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)">Starbucks donation page on Food Banks Canada</a> or find the link on the Starbucks app to donate today. Your contribution will ensure vulnerable Canadians have food now and when the pandemic is over.&nbsp;

About The Starbucks Foundation

The Starbucks Foundation strengthens humanity by transforming lives across the world, with a focus on enabling community resiliency and prosperity and uplifting communities affected by disaster. Established in 1997, The Starbucks Foundation is a Section 501(c)(3) charitable organization under U.S. law. <a href="https://www.starbucks.ca/responsibility%2Fcommunity%2Fstarbucks-foundation" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label=" (opens in a new tab)">Learn more at here</a>.

Two-thirds of the support will come from Starbucks Canada in the way of food donations from its distribution centers to help replenish stock in food banks across the country.

Starbucks Canada and The Starbucks Foundation Donate over $1M in Food and Financial Support to Help the Food Crisis

https://stories.starbucks.ca/en-ca/stories/2020/starbucks-canada-donates-over-1-million-to-help-growing-food-crisis/