VICTOR, N.Y., Sept. 30, 2010 - Constellation Brands, Inc. (NYSE: STZ, ASX: CBR), the world's leading wine company, announced today that it will make a NZD $15,000 donation (USD $11,083) to the New Zealand Red Cross's Canterbury Earthquake Appeal to administer relief funds in response to the Sept. 3, 7.3 magnitude quake that struck Christchurch, New Zealand.
Constellation has 215 New Zealand employees with a small regional sales office in Christchurch. All Christchurch employees were found safe after the natural disaster with very little structural damage to their homes. The four wineries that the company operates in the region are outside of the damage area and were therefore unaffected.
"New Zealand is an important market for Constellation and assisting where help is needed is a key part of the company's corporate social responsibility program," said Rob Sands, president and chief executive officer, Constellation Brands. "While we are very thankful that our employees were unharmed in the earthquake, we believe it's important for Constellation to support the recovery efforts in Christchurch and help restore their community."
The Canterbury Earthquake Appeal offers emergency cash grants to people who are no longer able to live in their homes due to structural damage from the quake. Emergency grants have already been given to several hundred individuals and families in the regions hit hardest by the earthquake.
About Constellation Brands
Constellation Brands is the world's leading wine company that achieves success through an unmatched knowledge of wine consumers, storied brands that suit varied lives and tastes, and talented employees worldwide. With a broad portfolio of widely admired premium products across the wine, beer and spirits categories, Constellation's brand portfolio includes Robert Mondavi, Hardys, Clos du Bois, Blackstone, Arbor Mist, Estancia, Ravenswood, Jackson-Triggs, Kim Crawford, Corona Extra, Black Velvet Canadian Whisky and SVEDKA Vodka.
Constellation Brands (NYSE: STZ and STZ.B; ASX: CBR) is an S&P 500 Index and Fortune 1000® company with more than 100 brands in our portfolio, sales in about 150 countries and operations at more than 40 facilities. The company believes that industry leadership involves a commitment to our brands, to the trade, to the land, to investors and to different people around the world who turn to our products when celebrating big moments or enjoying quiet ones. We express this commitment through our vision: to elevate life with every glass raised. To learn more about Constellation, visit the company's web site at www.cbrands.com.
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