Rona, Canada’s largest distributor and retailer of hardware, home renovation and gardening products, became the official home improvement partner of the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Winter Games Wednesday.
Rona became VANOC’s fourth national partner in a deal worth $68 million Cdn in cash and products. It includes a $7 million investment in sport initiatives such as Rona Youth Aspiration program and the Own the Podium program.
VANOC CEO John Furlong said Rona’s support includes assistance and materials to help prepare the venues for the 2010 Games.
"This long-term partnership with VANOC will provide Rona with a remarkable visibility platform as we pursue growth throughout the country, especially in Western Canada," said Robert Dutton, Rona president and CEO.
Rona, based in Montreal, operates a network of 566 franchisee, affiliate and corporate stores across Canada. The company has more than 22,000 employees and generates $4.8 billion in annual sales.
VANOC has previously signed sponsorship deals with Bell Canada ($200 million), RBC ($110 million) and Hudson’s Bay Company ($100 million).
