MONTREAL, April 28, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- April showers welcome May flowers but they're also accompanied by seasonal allergies dreaded by many across the country.
While most pollen is the enemy of sufferers, the type bees create is actually used to treat their allergy symptoms. But this allergy season, our misery was echoed by that of our busy bee curers, who are recent additions to the world's ever growing endangered species list.
In Canada, the annual loss of honey-bee colonies averaged 35% over the last three years due to habitat reduction, climate change, parasites and pesticides.
A.Vogel Canada's second annual Spring campaign "Bee-Cause We Care!" will flood Canadian health food store and mass chains to create a buzz and raise funds for Canadian bee conservation research, education and awareness programs.
For every 12 Allergy Relief products sold, A.Vogel will donate $5 to the CWF in support of conservation efforts to help the dwindling bee population. Last year, over $2000 was raised during the course of the two month campaign and the money was donated to three Canadian universities with bee research programs. This year's campaign will run April 28 – June 30, 2015.
"Bees and other pollinators have a crucial role in production of food, cotton, beeswax and many other products, but now they need our help. Like bees, when we all work together we can transform things. We thank A. Vogel for doing its part by creating an opportunity for all of us help pollinators like bees," says Rick Bates, CWF Executive Director.
Considered by many to be a lowly insect, few people realize that the dwindling bee population is not solely an environmental concern but a threat to global food production. About one-third of the food Canadians eat is reliant on pollinators and Bloomberg Business Week estimates that bee pollination affects $200 billion worth of crops annually.
"Our founder, Alfred Vogel believed that nature gives us everything we need to protect and maintain our health. At A.Vogel, we strive to give back to the community whenever possible. The on-going plight of Canadian bees is the perfect fit with both our Allergy Relief product and corporate values. We look forward to raising even more awareness and funds this year," said Mackie Vadacchino, CEO.
About A.Vogel/Bioforce Canada
A.Vogel was founded in Basel, Switzerland in 1923 when health products were first sold by the company's founder and namesake, Alfred Vogel, a phytotherapist, naturopath and a pioneer in natural health. Canadian distribution began in 1956. A.Vogel's products are clinically proven and differentiated from the competition by their use of fresh, organic, GMO free plants is all their remedies.