P.O. Box 73620, 509 St. Clair Ave. W
Toronto, ON M6C 1C0
(416) 651-5800; e-mail burch@web.net
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 11, 1998
Four others charged with trespassing at Corporate Hypocrite Picket
The shine on Loblaws' self-image as a model corporate citizen continued to dim today as the Easter Bunny and four supporters were arrested and charged with trespassing while handing out anti-hunger information flyers.
"Loblaws says it is trying to help end hunger, but why is it putting so much effort into hiring private security and arresting people who want to enter into a dialogue about ending the causes of hunger?" asks Matthew Behrens, aka The Easter Bunny. Behrens notes the group has written numerous letters to Loblaws President Richard Currie, but has received no response. Last Xmas, Loblaws arrested Santa Claus and two elves at a similar protest. Behrens, Brian Burch, Don Johnston and William Taylor, all of TASC, were charged with trespass, as was Mario Godcewski, a Loblaws customer arrested when he expressed anger at being photographed by Loblaws' private security.
If Loblaws really wants to end hunger, the demonstrators say, it would pay its deferred taxes and encourage other food drive sponsors to do the same. (Together, food drive sponsors and "supporters" Loblaws, Heinz, Ault, George Weston and Scott Paper owe $596,394,000.00 in deferred, unpaid taxes, according to Infoglobe).
TASC also believes these companies should urge governments to spend more on social programs to end hunger and homelessness. (Loblaws parent Weston Industries gave the maximum allowable contribution to the Harris Tories.)
At a time when an increasing number of Toronto mothers are reported to be experiencing "severe food deprivation" as a result of cutbacks, Loblaws President Currie cashed in on $8 million in stock options last year to supplement his $1.4 million salary and million-dollar bonus.
For more information call 651-5800.