CHICAGO -- Life Savers is turning 100, and to celebrate a century of sharing simple but meaningful connections between people, the iconic brand is giving back to charities that matter to its fans.
Giving Back
The giving campaign, called Connect for a Cause, works like this:
- People can participate by entering the code on specially marked 100th anniversary packages of Life Savers hard candies, mints and gummies at www.LifeSaversShareRing.com.
- For every code entered, a $1 donation will be made through JustGive to the charity chosen by each participant from 100 charities already identified at www.LifeSaversShareRing.com.
- The program continues through Aug. 31, 2012.
"We're doing something special to spotlight the 100th birthday of Life Savers because we believe our fans deserve it," said John Starkey, director of confections for Wrigley. "For 100 years, people have used Life Savers as a token of sharing; it's time to share with causes that matter to them."
A Party in Chattanooga
The centennial festivities also included a party this past week at Wrigley's Chattanooga, Tenn., factory, where Life Savers mints are produced. Wrigley employees, executives and local dignitaries celebrated the milestone, as well as the factory's recent expansion that included significant sustainability achievements.
An American Icon
Here's a look back at our Life Savers’ 100-year journey:
- In summer 1912, chocolate-maker Clarence A. Crane invented the original Pep O Mint flavor to create a candy that could withstand the summer heat. Crane called them Life Savers because they looked like little life preservers.
- During World War II, other candy manufacturers donated their sugar rations to keep Life Savers in production so the candies could be shared with Armed Forces as a tasty reminder of life at home.
- Life Savers helped pioneer advertising and marketing tactics like sampling and in-store displays.
- Since 1912, Life Savers flavors have included Cl-O-Ve, Lic-O-Rice, Cin-O-Mon, Vi-O-Let, Choc-O-Mint, Molas-O-Mint, Lemon-Lime, Cola and more.
Life Savers are manufactured by the Wm. Wrigley Jr. Co. The Wm. Wrigley Jr. Co., Chicago, is a recognized leader in confections with a wide range of product offerings including gum, mints, hard and chewy candies, lollipops, and chocolate.
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