This nationwide movement will unite and
encourage Canadians to support local businesses, building towards
Canada United Weekend on August 28 -
30, and deliver grant relief to help small businesses as
they re-open
TORONTO, July 22, 2020 /CNW/ - As hundreds of thousands of
businesses begin to re-open, RBC is pleased to announce the launch
of 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, the national Chamber
of Commerce network and business associations to rally Canadians to
"show local some love" by buying, dining and shopping local.
Supporting local business has never been more important and will
be critical to moving Canada's
recovery forward. Canada United gives every Canadian the
chance to show their support through actions big and small.
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 on Twitter 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 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 Canadian
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.
"As Canadians continue to work hard to limit the spread of
COVID-19, it is more important than ever to come together with one
voice to safely support the re-opening of Canada's local businesses and our economy,"
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 that all of our partners are bringing to this effort."
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.
"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."
Canada United is one part of RBC's journey to
support the recovery of businesses across Canada as well as local economies. In June,
RBC announced Points for Canada to stimulate local
economies across Canada by giving
clients double the points at restaurants and 30% more value when
redeeming points for gift cards or paying in-store.
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.
SOURCE RBC Royal Bank