Postmedia initiative to counter COVID crisis

One of Canada’s largest media companies is launching an initiative to help people and the businesses they count on get through the COVID-19 crisis.

Postmedia Network Inc. has committed an initial $2.5 million in marketing services and media value in support of access to accurate COVID information, food security and to help vulnerable community members including the elderly.

It has also created a free digital business directory that allows consumers to connect with the thousands of local businesses that have already signed up. Postmedia says it will be announcing additional measures in the coming weeks.

“Postmedia is proud to support so many Canadian institutions and businesses during this unprecedented crisis. Many of our publications have been an integral part of the Canadian fabric through extraordinary events over the last 100 years. Now is the time for institutions to come together and support each other,” said Andrew MacLeod, the president and CEO of Postmedia, which has more than 140 Canadian brands across print, online, and mobile platforms including the Ottawa Citizen and National Post.

Postmedia says its marketing support will help three important initiatives:

Covidquestions.ca, a collaboration from the Canadian Medical Association, Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons, the College of Family Physicians of Canada and Spark Advocacy that reinforces public health messages and urges Canadians to help flatten the curve.

Second Harvest’s FoodRescue.ca, which connects non-profit organizations with surplus food.

United Way Centraide and its COVID-19 Community Response and Recovery Fund supporting local communities, especially seniors and vulnerable people.

Postmedia previously dropped the paywall on COVID-19 content on its sites, and is also supporting Crew Nation, a relief fund created by Live Nation for live-music crews who’ve lost work during the pandemic.