TORONTO (03 January 2011) - Contemporary furniture designer and manufacturers Gus Design Group has launched its third annual Keep on Giving! event, a promotion offering consumers a discount on furniture purchases when they donate to local food banks.

Throughout the month of January, customers bringing three non-perishable food items into a participating Gus* retailer in both Canada and the United States will receive 15% off the MSRP (manufacturers' suggested retail price) on product from the company's Modern Essentials collection of upholstery, dining, storage, lighting, and accessories.

Approximately 100 Gus retailers participate in the promotion, which is held once a year. This year's drive ends on 31 January.

All of the food items collected will be distributed by the participating retailers to local food banks in their respective communities. The company said that in the first year, the drive collected about 1,000 lbs. of food, while over 1,500 lbs. was collected last year.

"The Gus Keep on Giving Event is a great way for us to start off the new year on a positive note," Neil James, co-owner of the Toronto-based Gus Studio@STYLEGARAGE, said in a statement. "Our customers get a great deal on Gus modern furniture and the community benefits from the food donations that we collect throughout the month."

Jon Isaak, Gus Design marketing manager, said the company doesn't know how many customers or potential customers contributed to the drive but did note "we've been excited to hear reports from our retailers that they've had many customers bring in donations even though they weren't planning a furniture purchase - they just got into the spirit."

Gus Design furniture is characterized by clean-lined upholstery and functional dining, lighting, and accents, all inspired by mid-century classics.  The promotion applies to all pieces in the Essentials line, which consists of in-stock furniture in a variety of finish options.

A 'Keep on Giving!' collection basket.