Created by RBC in collaboration with the
national network of Chambers of Commerce and over 50 corporate
partners, Roots to support local businesses as part of the
nationwide movement
TORONTO, July 23, 2020 /CNW/ - Roots ("Roots," "Roots
Canada") (TSX: ROOT), a premium outdoor-lifestyle brand, announced
today that it is joining Canada United, a
national movement to support local businesses in communities
across the country. As part of the movement, RBC has brought
together more than 50 of Canada's
leading brands, Business Associations and the national Chamber
network to rally Canadians to "show local some love" by buying,
dining and shopping local.
"Roots was started in 1973 by two friends who opened a small
footwear store in Toronto," said
Meghan Roach, Chief Executive
Officer, Roots. "Without the support of Canadians, we would not
have grown into the brand and business we are today. We have
partnered with RBC and joined Canada United to encourage all
those living in Canada to support
their local small businesses during this challenging period. Our
support is needed today so these incredible businesses can thrive
well into the future."
Canadians are invited to join the Canada United movement
by buying and dining local, including celebrating and supporting
local businesses during the Canada United Weekend from August 28 to 30, 2020.
Canadians are also encouraged to watch the Canada United
videos online at GoCanadaUnited.ca, like posts from @GoCanadaUnited
on social media and use #CanadaUnited to demonstrate their support.
For each of these actions until August 31,
2020, RBC will contribute 5
cents up to a maximum contribution amount of $2 million to the new Canada United Small
Business Relief Fund, while working with government and corporate
partners to source additional contributions to the fund during the
course of the campaign. The Fund will provide small businesses with
grants of up to $5,000 to cover
expenses related to personal protective equipment (PPE) renovations
to accommodate re-opening guidelines and developing or improving
e-commerce capabilities.
Small Canadian businesses across the country will be able to
apply for up to $5,000 in grant
funding. The program intends to support small Canadian businesses
of all kinds from across the country. The Canada United
Small Business Relief Fund will be administered by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce on behalf of the
national Chamber network. Small business owners who are interested
in the program can visit GoCanadaUnited.ca to learn more about
grant application details, including eligibility criteria, and to
apply.
"We are excited to welcome Roots to Canada United to help
local businesses and Canada's
economy come back strong," said Neil
McLaughlin, Group Head, Personal & Commercial Banking,
Royal Bank of Canada. "Canada
United was created to kick-start an economic rebound by
rallying consumers to give local businesses the support they need
to re-open during these uncertain times. By bringing together
government, business associations and corporate Canada, we are looking to start a movement to
get Canadians to buy local and support businesses across the
country. We are genuinely excited by the energy all of our partners
are bringing to this effort."
"If there has been one silver lining in all the tragedy and
sacrifices of the current crisis, it has been the spirit of
collaboration and unity of purpose that has been evident between
levels of government, across provinces and across sectors," said
Rocco Rossi, President and CEO,
Ontario Chamber of Commerce. "We
are calling on that same unity of purpose with Canada
United. Small, local businesses are the heart of our
communities, our Main Streets and our economy. Together, it is time
to show local some love."
About Roots
Established in 1973, Roots is a premium
outdoor-lifestyle brand. We unite the best of cabin and city
through unmistakable style built with uncompromising comfort and
quality. We offer a broad range of products designed for life's
everyday adventures, including: women's and men's apparel, leather
goods, footwear, accessories, and kids, toddler and baby apparel.
Starting from a little cabin in Algonquin
Park, Canada, Roots has grown to become a global brand. As
of May 2, 2020, we operated 114
corporate-retail stores in Canada,
two corporate-retail stores in the United
States, 115 partner-operated stores in Taiwan, 37 partner-operated stores in
China, two partner-operated stores
in Hong Kong and a global
eCommerce platform, roots.com. Roots Corporation is a Canadian
corporation doing business as "Roots" and "Roots Canada".
About RBC
Royal Bank of Canada is a global financial institution with
a purpose-driven, principles-led approach to delivering leading
performance. Our success comes from the 84,000+ employees who bring
our vision, values and strategy to life so we can help our clients
thrive and communities prosper. As Canada's biggest bank, and one of the largest
in the world based on market capitalization, we have a diversified
business model with a focus on innovation and providing exceptional
experiences to our 17 million clients in Canada, the U.S. and 34 other countries. Learn
more at rbc.com.
We are proud to support a broad range of community initiatives
through donations, community investments and employee volunteer
activities. See how at rbc.com/community-social-impact.
Forward-Looking Information
Certain information in this press release contains
forward-looking information. This information is based on
management's reasonable assumptions and beliefs in light of the
information currently available to us and are made as of the date
of this press release. Actual results and the timing of events may
differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking
information as a result of various factors. Information regarding
our expectations of future results, performance, achievements,
prospects or opportunities or the markets in which we operate is
forward-looking information. Statements containing forward-looking
information are not facts but instead represent management's
expectations, estimates and projections regarding future events or
circumstances. Many factors could cause our actual results, level
of activity, performance or achievements or future events or
developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied
by the forward-looking statements.
See "Forward-Looking Information" and "Risk Factors" in the
Company's current Annual Information Form for a discussion of the
uncertainties, risks and assumptions associated with these
statements. Readers are urged to consider the uncertainties, risks
and assumptions carefully in evaluating the forward-looking
information and are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such
information. We have no intention and undertake no obligation to
update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a
result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as
required by applicable securities law.
SOURCE Roots Corporation