LCBO seeks spare change to combat Lou Gehrig’s disease

Beginning September 1, LCBO customers can drop their spare change in coin boxes at all 600 LCBO locations across Ontario for ALS Society of Ontario

Donation boxes will be displayed at checkout counters until September 30.

Better known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, ALS is a rapidly progressive and fatal neuromuscular disease affecting close to 1,000 Ontarians. Approximately one-third of people with ALS are diagnosed by the age of 45.  Eighty per cent of those affected die within two to five years of diagnosis.

“ALS is a devastating disease physically, emotionally and financially,” says ALS Society of Ontario president & CEO Maureen Sheahan, in a press release. “We appreciate this opportunity to raise funds and awareness to assist people living with this disease.”

The ALS Society of Ontario is one of 26 provincial and numerous local charities that will benefit from the LCBO’s donation box program in 2008. The program raises hundreds of thousands of dollars annually.

The ALS Society of Ontario is a non-profit organization committed to providing equipment and support services to people with ALS and their families.