Vince’s BBQ raises much-needed funds for student nutrition programs
Highest amount raised as campaign reaches halfway point
SHARON, ON, June 19, 2024:
Representatives from the Grocery Foundation were on hand last Saturday at the Vince’s Community BBQ. Here, they provided awareness about their “Toonies for Tummies” initiative that benefits student nutrition programs across Canada – including those within the vicinity of Vince’s stores.
This annual event helps support the independent grocer’s Community Product Initiative (CPI). Since 2018, it has raised significant funds for a variety of life-changing organizations, such as CHATS, Southlake Hospital, and the Canadian Mental Health Association. Toonies for Tummies is the 2024 recipient of this year-long campaign.
“Communities, such as Sharon, are like many across the country that see tremendous benefits in providing a healthy meal to the more than 1 in 3 at risk of starting the day on an empty stomach,” said Shaun McKenna, Executive Director, The Grocery Foundation.
“While summer and the end of the school year is upon us, the importance of the local breakfast program to the community was made very clear by East Gwillimbury Councillor Susan Lahey and Mayor Virginia Hackson to members of our Grocery Foundation team who had the good fortune to join in on the third annual BBQ,” he added. “We know the dollars raised are going to tremendously benefit the community and we are grateful to Vince’s for being so engaged in their local communities and, with our mission, to nourish young bodies and minds so that no child has to attend school hungry.”
Since the beginning of the year, Vince’s has raised $21,482 for Toonies for Tummies through the CPI, with an additional $768 coming from the June 15 barbecue. Both are unprecedented amounts for Vince’s at the halfway point of the campaign.
CPI relies on the support of customers and vendors, setting aside 15 percent of sales of the designated Community Product (typically a staple item) to be accrued for that year’s recipient. Since its inception, CPI has raised approximately $170K, with big results expected by year-end.
“We are pleased that so many of our customers dropped by on Saturday to support such an important cause,” said Vince’s President, Giancarlo Trimarchi. “It is with their donations, and with the help of our vendors that we have been able to reach such a significant total – and we’re just under halfway through our campaign. We are looking forward to the final results at year-end.”
Vince’s Community Ambassador Maria Ciarlandini added: “Thank you to everyone who came by and donated at this year’s annual BBQ event in support of the Grocery’s Foundation’s Toonie for Tummies campaign.”
Vince’s would also like to thank Coke Canada, Maple Leaf Foods, Wonderbrands, and Arla Foods for their contributions to the event.
Contact:
Neil Moore
Brand Manager, Vince’s Market
905.717.7474
[email protected] • vincesmarket.ca
