LCBO Food and Drink Holiday 2016

TREND SPOTT ING

For the birds and the bees Help local species survive and thrive by purchasing food and drink prod- ucts aimed at conservation and preservation.    The Atwood Blend from Ontario co ee purveyors Balzac’s doesn’t just carry the Smithsonian Institute’s Bird

Friendly label (meaning it’s 100 percent shade-grown and organic, preserving habitats for migratory

birds), but also raises funds for the Pelee Island Bird Observatory ($18 for 454 g, shop.balzacs.com).    To help preserve vulnerable honeybees, Toronto Bee Rescue humanely relocates swarms and hives from where they aren’t wanted (homes, sheds and decks) to suitable locations. And a portion of proceeds from sales of honey and honey products like vinegar goes toward their programs. $11 for vinegar and from $5 for honey, at farmer’s markets and myhoneycreations.com.

Lest we forget

A partner organization of Toronto-based Free the Children, Me to We is a social enterprise whose mission includes helping consumers make choices that have a positive global impact. The colourful cotton Indego Africa wine bag ($15), for instance, is made by female artisans in Rwanda, while the hand-screen-printed Vanna Tea Towel ($24) is made of repurposed remnant linen by marginalized women in Cambodia; shop.metowe.com. GLOBAL OUTLOOK [ HOSTESS GIFTS ]

National non-profit Wounded Warriors Canada runs programs to support ill and injured soldiers, veterans, first responders and their families—and three products in-store this season help raise money for the cause:

Southpaw Heroes Blonde Lager LCBO 464032, 473 mL, $2.75

Glenfiddich Single Malt 15 Years Old LCBO 605972, $79.95

Royal City Brewing Remembrance Red LCBO 479188, 650 mL, $5.95

FOOD & DRI NK HOLIDAY