ABC Life Literacy Canada

Toronto, ON (May 12, 2009) – Ben & Jerry’s, famous for its ingenious ice creams, irreverent personalities and social conscience, is joining forces with one of our country’s most beloved bands, Barenaked Ladies, to serve up its first-ever Canadian flavour – If I had 1,000,000 flavours.

Through its partnership with Ben & Jerry’s, Barenaked Ladies will donate its entire share of the proceeds from the sale of If I had 1,000,000 flavours to support ABC CANADA Literacy Foundation, who raise awareness for the literacy cause including the importance of family literacy.

An instant Canadian “classic”
A jam session of vanilla and chocolate ice cream, peanut butter cups, chocolate-coated toffee chunks, white chocolate chunks and chocolate-coated almonds, If I had 1,000,000 flavours is the wackiest, most ingredient-packed ice cream Ben & Jerry’s has dared create.

“We’re really excited to work with Barenaked Ladies and to give Canadians a flavour that, we think, says a lot about our country – a big, delicious mingling of tastes and textures that’s not afraid to be just a little wacky,” says Shoshana Price, Ben and Jerry’s brand ambassador. “Just like Barenaked Ladies’ classic song, If I had 1,000,000 flavours is destined to become an instant hit with Canadians.”

Passion for causes and ice cream
The partnership between Ben & Jerry’s and Barenaked Ladies unites two names that built their self-started iconic status on a foundation of grassroots fan support and backing of great causes.

“We’re thrilled to be partnering with Ben and Jerry’s. It’s very cool to be the namesake for the first ever Canadian Ben & Jerry’s flavour!” says band member Ed Robertson. “We share a desire to support great causes, and a deep rooted love of all things ice cream!”

“We’re delighted Barenaked Ladies selected ABC CANADA to receive their royalties from the sales of their Ben & Jerry’s ice cream,” says Margaret Eaton, president, ABC CANADA. “Buy great ice cream and support family literacy, what a delectable combination.”

Create your flavour, meet the band
Ben & Jerry’s and Barenaked Ladies are celebrating the launch of If I had 1,000,000 flavours by asking Canadians the proverbial question “what would you include if you had a 1,000,000 flavours?”

Starting May 12th Canadians can go to www.benjerry.ca and create their very own 1,000,000 flavours ice cream portrait with a chance to win the ultimate BNL experience and a year’s supply of the new ice cream! Canadians can also get a free download of the band’s iconic song.

The flavour will also be available at scoop shops.

About Ben & Jerry’s
Ben & Jerry’s, a Vermont corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of Unilever, operates its business on a three-part Mission Statement emphasizing product quality, economic reward and a commitment to the community.

Ben & Jerry’s philanthropy supports the founding values of the company: economic and social justice, environmental restoration and peace through understanding. For the full scoop on all Ben & Jerry’s fabulous flavors, visit benjerry.ca

About Barenaked Ladies
Barenaked Ladies (BNL) are one of Canada’s most-beloved and recognizable rock groups, consisting of Ed Robertson (vocals, guitar), Tyler Stewart (drums, backing vocals), Jim Creeggan (bass, stringed instruments, vocals) and Kevin Hearn (keyboards, guitar, vocals). BNL’s debut album and first major-label release Gordon, released in Canada in 1992, went Diamond and featured some of the band's most signature tracks, including the classic "If I Had $1,000,000," "Be My Yoko Ono," "Grade 9," and "Brian Wilson". Grammy-nominated and winners of ten Juno Awards, BNL have racked up a string of memorable hits like “Pinch Me”, “The Old Apartment”, “Too Little Too Late”, “Falling For The First Time” and “One Week”, which hit Number One on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

About ABC CANADA Literacy Foundation
ABC CANADA Literacy Foundation is Canada’s private-sector voice championing adult literacy. The national charity envisions a Canada where individuals, regardless of their circumstances, are provided the opportunities to increase the skills that prepare people for realizing their full potential at work, at home and in the community. One of ABC CANADA’s major national awareness programs is Family Literacy Day, celebrated annually on January 27 to promote the benefits of families reading and learning together. To learn more, visit www.abc-canada.org.