One Small Square, One Big Give: Shreddies Turns to Facebook Fans to Help Raise $50,000 to Build Schools in Developing Countries

Facebook Fans Are Asked to Build a Virtual School Out of Shreddies Squares and Help Raise Money for Schools in Laos and Nicaragua


TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Dec. 6, 2011) - The holidays are a time for giving, and Shreddies is making it easier than ever for Canadians to give back to communities in need with just a few clicks of the mouse.

Starting today, Canadians are invited to visit www.facebook.com/shreddies to experience an inventive Facebook app, "Made with Shreddies," that allows users to build two virtual schools out of Shreddies squares with the goal of raising $50,000 for the construction of two real schools in the developing world. For every square added to the virtual schools, Shreddies will donate $1 to Pencils of Promise, an organization that builds schools in the developing world and trains socially conscious young leaders to take action both at home and abroad.

"As a Canadian brand, Shreddies has gotten to be very close with our consumers, in particular with our Facebook community, and it is abundantly clear that Shreddies lovers are caring Canadians with generous spirits. This season, we've launched "Made with Shreddies," an interactive experience on Facebook that brings our fans' caring spirits to life in a memorable way," said Margaret Hastings, Post Foods. "Canadians can watch the school come together square by square and enjoy a shared sense of pride in the great work being done for Pencils of Promise, a charity whose commitment to fostering education in the developing world is truly inspiring."

Once the $50,000 target has been reached, Pencils of Promise will receive funds to build two schools in Laos and Nicaragua. For Pencils of Promise, the process of building a school starts from the ground-up. From speaking to elders and educators in villages, to creating a local "Promise Committee" to oversee the support and maintenance of schools, building a school is far more than the construction of four walls. It's a means of empowering local residents to become ambassadors for education in their communities.

"We're so excited to partner with Post Shreddies on such an innovative project," said Adam Braun, Founder and Executive Director of Pencils of Promise. "Pencils of Promise has always aimed to create a movement of global supporters enabling education for all, and through this program we'll take another huge step towards that goal."

Canadians are invited to visit www.facebook.com/Shreddies, 'Like' the page and let the construction begin! Fans are asked to rally friends, family and colleagues to do their part and give back to communities in need with the help of a simple square.

About Post Foods Canada Corp.

Post Foods Canada Corp., a subsidiary of Ralcorp Holdings Inc., is the manufacturer of iconic ready-to-eat cereal brands including Shreddies, Shredded Wheat, Great Grains, Honey Bunches of Oats, Honeycomb, Sugar Crisp, Alpha-Bits and other great tasting cereals. For more information, please visit www.postfoods.ca.

About Pencils of Promise

Pencils of Promise is a 501c3 organization whose mission is to build schools in the developing world and train young leaders to take action at home and abroad. In just three years since being founded with $25, PoP has broken ground on 50+ schools, established the largest social media following of any nonprofit started in the past four years, and delivered over 1 million educational hours in the developing world.

Contact Information:

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Jennifer Alsop-Lee
416-342-1810
jennifer.alsop-lee@mediaprofile.com