imperial tobacco canada - Nov 10- The Imperial Tobacco Canada Foundation launches revitalized arts donation program

MONTREAL, November 10, 2008 – The Imperial Tobacco Canada Foundation announces today the launch of two arts donation programs to support and honour artistic achievement across Canada.

“Imperial Tobacco Canada has close to a 40-year history of supporting the arts in Canada. Although regulatory circumstances have changed, we have steadfastly continued to provide financial assistance to arts organizations across the country in a responsible manner,” said Benjamin Kemball, president and CEO of Imperial Tobacco Canada and chair of the board of the Imperial Tobacco Canada Foundation. “Today, despite economic pressures, we continue this tradition with these programs that will help arts organizations produce innovative pieces that challenge us and contribute to this country’s cultural heritage.”

Beginning with the 2009 donations cycle, the Foundation will award a donation of $75,000 on an annual basis to an arts organization in recognition of extraordinary and sustained contribution to arts and culture in Canada. Christened the Arts Achievement Award, this donation solidifies Imperial Tobacco Canada as a premier corporate supporter of the arts in Canada.

The Foundation will also offer 10 annual donations of $50,000 each to support arts organizations in the commissioning and presentation of new creation. This new program, called New Creation in the Arts, replaces the former Arts Council and Arts Fund programs.

“The Foundation is honoured to be an important supporter of the arts in Canada,” said Joan Pennefather, general manager of the Imperial Tobacco Canada Foundation. “We are confident that these two programs will fit the needs of Canadian artists and continue the Foundation’s work of consistent support to the artistic community in Canada with no strings attached.”

The Foundation will also continue to accept applications for donations in Human Services from local community organizations mainly in the Montreal South-West area where Imperial Tobacco Canada has a concentration of employees. The Foundation also manages the employee matching program, matching employee donations to community organizations.

- Nov 10- Imperial Tobacco Canada Foundation launches new arts donation program (35 kb)

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