Postmedia Commits $2.5 million in Media Value to Support COVID-19 Relief Initiatives, and More to Come for Local Businesses

TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Postmedia Network Inc. (“Postmedia”) is proud to announce ‘Postmedia Supports’, a program to help raise awareness and funds and to provide local support during the COVID-19 pandemic. The program has two components: the first supporting vulnerable people through the work of COVID-19 relief initiatives; and the second, supporting local businesses severely impacted by the pandemic.

“Postmedia is proud to support so many Canadian institutions and businesses during this unprecedented crisis. Many of our publications have been an integral part of the Canadian fabric through extraordinary events over the last 100 years. Now is the time for institutions to come together and support each other,” said Andrew MacLeod, President and CEO, Postmedia.

Supporting COVID-19 Relief Initiatives

Postmedia will contribute an initial $2.5 million in marketing services and media across its print and digital platforms supporting health information, food security and vulnerable community members including the elderly.

In an effort to help Canadians, Postmedia is partnering with covidquestions.ca, Second Harvest and United Way Centraide as the three organizations to receive this marketing support in an effort to help Canadians.

Covidquestions.ca

Launched as a national public awareness campaign, covidquestions.ca is a collaboration between the Canadian Medical Association, Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons, the College of Family Physicians of Canada and Spark Advocacy. The campaign reinforces public health messages about COVID-19 and urges the public to do their part to flatten the curve NOW.

Second Harvest

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Second Harvest has accelerated the national expansion of FoodRescue.ca, its free, easy-to-use donation platform that connects businesses with fresh, surplus food to donate with non-profit organizations that feed communities. FoodRescue.ca is an accessible tool that can be mobilized immediately to support food recovery and distribution during the COVID-19 pandemic. FoodRescue.ca also enables food donors and non-profits to coordinate donations with minimal interaction, supporting social/physical distancing.

United Way Centraide

United Way Centraide launched its COVID-19 Community Response and Recovery Fund in March to support local communities across the country. It helps in three ways: Basic Needs – ensuring people have access to life’s essentials such as food and shelter; Capacity for Community Services – ensuring community partners can continue to do their vital local work; Help for Seniors – ensuring that while vulnerable people are isolated, they are also supported.

This new initiative builds on Postmedia’s COVID-19 activities including dropping the paywall on all COVID-19 content, COVID-related newsletters launched from each of our newsrooms, the Heroes and Doing Good editorial series that are shining a spotlight on individuals and corporations making a difference during this challenging time. Postmedia is also supporting the entertainment industry through Crew Nation, a Global Relief Fund created by Live Nation supporting crews affected by event cancellations due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Supporting Local Businesses

In support of local businesses, Postmedia markets launched a free digital business directory to connect consumers with local businesses. In a matter of weeks, thousands of businesses have signed up to be a part of this community resource. Building upon this, in the coming weeks, Postmedia plans to announce additional support programs for our local business partners in our trusted local brands to showcase and connect businesses with their community at a time when they need it most.

About Postmedia Network Inc.

Postmedia Network Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Postmedia Network Canada Corp. (TSX:PNC.A, PNC.B), is a Canadian newsmedia company representing more than 140 brands across multiple print, online, and mobile platforms. Award-winning journalists and innovative product development teams bring engaging content to millions of people every week whenever and wherever they want it. This exceptional content, reach and scope offers advertisers and marketers compelling solutions to effectively reach target audiences. For more information, visit www.postmedia.com or www.postmediasolutions.com.