Inland Empire Charity Receives Major Donation

Ontario-based Niagara Bottling Company has donated $100,000 to Stater Bros. Charities to help sponsor this year’s Believe Walk.

The walk, scheduled to be held Oct. 2 in Redlands, attracts about 12,000 participants annually and has raised more than $3 million to fight cancer since it began in 2008, according to the charitable organization.

The donation was announced Monday. Funds raised through Believe Walk are distributed to cancer centers and cancer-fighting organizations throughout Riverside and San Bernardino counties.

Niagara Bottling, a Believe Walk presenting sponsor since the walk began, has now donated $700,000 to the event.

In addition, every August the company bottles one million cases of 24 and 35-pack half-liter water bottles that have a pink label. Those bottles are sold exclusively in Stater Bros. stores as a way to mark National Cancer Awareness Month.

“The Believe Walk wouldn’t be the success that it is without the generous support from our vendor community, like Niagara,” said Pete Van Helden, State Bros.’ Markets president and chief executive officer, in the statement. “Their long-standing support provides more than just critical, lifesaving services to patients in the midst of their battle. Niagara’s involvement also gives hope and encouragement to all who are walking the journey with them.”

Stater Bros. Charities is a non-profit organization that supports critical needs in the communities where Stater Bros.’ employees live and work.