New York, NY – April 3, 2025 – Les Dames d’Escoffier International (LDEI) is pleased to announce that applications for the 2025 Scholarships for Impactful Change are now open. These scholarships, available to women aged 21 and older with a minimum of four years of culinary experience, aim to support individuals pursuing degrees within the industry. Applications for the 2025 Les Dames Scholarships open April 3, 2025, and close May 16, 2025.

The Dames’ Scholarships for Impactful Change are open to professional women who are pursuing a degree from an accredited educational institution in culinary or pastry arts education, food systems or agriculture/farming, hospitality management, dietetics and/or nutrition, or the beverage industries.

2024 Winners Clockwise from L:
Lani Furbank, Annabella Gascoyne, Andrea Catania, and Frances Petersen

Recognizing the vital impact of diverse leadership in driving impactful change within nonprofits and NGOs, these scholarships seek applicants who demonstrate leadership skills, a commitment to influencing systems and communities, civic engagement, and a passion for social justice and positive change. Four winning recipients will be awarded $5,000 each.

"The LDEI Scholarship Award recognized my impactful career and achievements across Latin America,” said Cecilia Picoaga, 2023 scholarship recipient. “Pursuing further education has reignited my academic purpose and passion, providing me with a world-class learning experience that will empower me to continue driving positive change in communities for years to come."

The scholarships are presented in collaboration with The Wine Group, one of the world's largest and most respected wine producers. Since its beginning over 40 years ago, The Wine Group has prioritized the stewardship of the environment, people, and communities. The collaboration between The Wine Group and Les Dames presents a meaningful and significant opportunity for students.

“For the third straight year, we’re delighted to once again collaborate with LDEI to offer the ‘Scholarships for Impactful Change’ program,” said Helen Kurtz, Chief Marketing Officer, The Wine Group. “It’s an honor for us to support the educational journeys of women in the industry who are pursuing their aspirations, while simultaneously helping to create a healthier future for communities worldwide.”

The scholarship regulations are as follows:

• The scholarship money will go directly to the school or institution in which the recipients are enrolled and can be used only for tuition (and not living expenses).
• The money must be used in the year that it is awarded. Any change in the enrollment status during the scholarship year is to be communicated to Les Dames by the recipient within seven (7) days of the change. Applicant monies are to be refunded by the institution in the event of withdrawal or a change in enrollment status.
• Should the awardee’s debt with the institution be paid in full by the time funds reach the institution, all funds shall be returned to Les Dames.
• Applicants must have a GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or the equivalent thereof.
• The application process opens on April 3, 2025. Applications will be accepted until May 16, 2025. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
• Recipients will be selected based on merit, need, and community service.
• All applicants will be notified of their award status in June 2025.
• Scholarship recipients will be required to be a part of a virtual webinar with Les Dames and The Wine Group, highlighting their goals, activities, and future plans.

CLICK FOR APPLICATION

BURLINGTON, Ontario, April 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bunzl Canada is thrilled to announce the launch of its Carbon Footprint Calculator, an innovative tool designed to help businesses measure and reduce the carbon intensity of their delivery program.

The Carbon Footprint Calculator quantifies emissions from deliveries Bunzl makes to its customers on a regular basis. This offers businesses a clear understanding and measurement of the associated carbon footprint. More importantly, it enables customers to explore optimized delivery schedules that could lead to significant carbon footprint reductions and contribute to corporate sustainability goals.

At Bunzl Canada, we recognize that our customers are increasingly prioritizing sustainability,” said John Howlett, President of Bunzl Canada. “Our Carbon Footprint Calculator provides them with actionable insights, helping them make informed decisions that support both their operational efficiency and environmental responsibility.”

How it works

The tool leverages real-time delivery data to calculate carbon emissions based on fuel consumption, mileage, and delivery frequency. It then models alternative delivery schedules that could reduce emissions while maintaining supply chain efficiency. By making strategic adjustments, businesses can lower their environmental footprint without compromising service levels.

Sustainability in Action

Sustainability continues to be a key corporate focus for Bunzl Canada in both its operations and the products it supplies. The launch of this tool aligns with Bunzl Canada’s broader commitment to sustainability, which includes:

• Reducing emissions through smarter logistics and optimized delivery routes
• Supporting customers’ ESG goals by providing data-driven sustainability solutions
• Investing in innovation to promote eco-friendly supply chain practices

For more information about Bunzl Canada’s Carbon Footprint Calculator, visit https://bunzlch.ca/carbon-footprint-calculator/

BRAMPTON, ON, April 2, 2025 /CNW/ - The Cator family, founders of Cardinal Meats, a proudly Canadian company, is celebrating 100 years of serving Canadians with high-quality meat products. Since the founding of the family business in 1925, the Cator's have been at the forefront of innovation in the food industry, delivering exceptional products to retail, foodservice, and hospitality partners across the country.

"For a century, the legacy my grandfather started, known as Cardinal Meats today, has been committed to providing Canadians with premium, high-quality proteins while prioritizing food safety, sustainability, and innovation," said Brent Cator, President and Owner, Cardinal Meat Specialists Ltd. "This milestone is a testament to our dedicated team, valued customers, and strong community partnerships."

A Legacy of Innovation and Excellence

Founded in 1925, the Cator family started as a small butcher shop in Bowmanville, Ontario and has grown into a leader in the Canadian meat industry. Over the decades, the company has pioneered advancements in food safety, including being the first in North America to implement Sous Vide cooking at an industrial level, ensuring superior quality and freshness, while reducing costs for customers. Other key milestones include:

• 1925 – Jack Cator's humble beginnings with a butcher shop in Bowmanville, ON.
• 1930's – Mastering the art of traditional butchery by hand-cutting every order.
• 1940 – The first delivery truck delivers quality meats to locals, and sits in the lobby today, at the company headquarters in Brampton, ON.
• 1955 – 1966 – Ralph Cator and the path to Cardinal Meats – from butcher shops across Toronto, ON, to a meat processing plant on Stanfield Rd. (Mississauga).
• 1970's – The birth of the burger business!
• 1980's – Introduced Tenderform burgers, revolutionizing the industry.
• 1985 – Brent's impact on the business as a recent University grad has him introduce JIT practices and a company retail outlet (a step up from labeling boxes in the plant).
• 1990 – The launch of the first branded product – Cardinal Roadhouse Burgers.
• 1995 – Cardinal buys former McDonalds' processing plant near the Toronto Airport.
• 1998 – Became the first HACCP-certified protein processor in Canada, elevating safety standards for the industry as a whole.
• 2000 – Cardinal's fully cooked ribs won 'Best Ribs' four times at Toronto-area Ribfests.
• 2003 – Became the first to utilize DNA lab technology as a food safety standard.
• 2004 – Brent Cator takes over the family business, succeeding a legacy steeped in excellence, while introducing new technologies and business best practices. Sales double from $30M to $60M within 3 years under his leadership.
• 2006 – Launched the Natural Texture Forming process to enhance the texture and juiciness of meat and plant-based burgers.
• 2011 – Moved from a 26,000 SQ FT, to an 85,000 SQ FT facility.
• 2018 – Purchased and absorbed The Elite Meat Company, known for its peameal bacon.
• 2023 – More expansion – plant facility in Brampton, ON adds 33,000 SQ FT, now totaling 122,000 SQ FT.
• 2025 – Celebrating a century of Cator family leadership, excellence and continued commitment to quality and innovation.

100 Years, 100 Stories: A Celebration of People and Progress

As part of the Cator Family leadership centennial celebration, Cardinal Meats is launching the '100 Years, 100 Stories' campaign to highlight the moments, people, and partnerships that have shaped its journey. Some of the featured stories include:

• A Family Tradition – How generations of Canadian families have relied on the Cator family business for quality meals, for their backyard barbecues to holiday feasts.
• Pioneering Innovation – The story behind Cardinal Meats' industry-changing introduction of IQF burgers and HPP technology.
• Supporting Local Farmers – Decades of partnerships with Canadian farmers to source the best quality ingredients while promoting sustainable agriculture.
• Community Commitment and Philanthropy – The Cator family's long-standing dedication to giving back includes supporting food banks to help families in need, sponsoring We Care to provide camp experiences for children with disabilities, and investing in the Trillium Health Partners Foundation.
• Employee Excellence – Celebrating team members who have dedicated decades to Cardinal Meats and played an essential role in its growth.

"As we look ahead, our focus remains on innovation, sustainability, and strengthening our partnerships with Canadian families, businesses, and communities," added Brent Cator. "We are grateful for the trust and loyalty of our customers and look forward to continuing our tradition of excellence for generations to come."

For more information, visit www.cardinalmeats.com or follow Cardinal Meats on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.

VANCOUVER, BC, April 1, 2025 /CNW/ - COBS Bread's 5th annual Doughnation Day™ is underway with a focus on encouraging customers to "doughnate" and help COBS Bread raise $500,000 for charities across Canada. March 8 to April 5 is Doughnation Month where funds are being raised online, and in COBS bakeries across Canada. On Saturday, April 5th or Doughnation Day™ $2 from the sale of every Hot Cross Bun 6-pack will be donated to local charities across Canada.

The goal of the campaign is to raise funds for COBS Bread's community charities across the country in addition to COBS Bread's national charitable partner, Second Harvest through the sale of Hot Cross Buns and customer donations. Each bakery has selected a charity that makes a local impact and will be raising funds in-bakery and online throughout the campaign.

"Mixing our passion with purpose is at core of our values here at COBS Bread. Our bakers across Canada are proud of how they support our communities with our end of day giving program. Doughnation Day™ is the opportunity to further amplify our efforts" says Peter Furnish, VP of Marketing for COBS Bread. We're looking forward to the outcome of this important work and the impact we can make across the country."

April 5, Saturday: Doughnation Day™

Customers can purchase a 6-pack of Hot Cross Buns at any COBS Bread Bakery and COBS Bread will donate $2 from the sale to the bakery's local community charity.

Anytime until April 5:

• Add a donation to any purchase at a COBS Bread bakery: Customers can donate at the point of purchase to the bakery's local community charity throughout the campaign.
• Can't make it to a bakery? You can donate online at Doughnation Day COBS Bread x Second Harvest - Pledge
COBS Bread bakeries are encouraged to strive to raise at least $1,500 for their charities throughout the "doughnation" period, and the organization's overall goal for fundraising during this period is $500,000.