Canadian Tire fundraising success gives back to community

Miriam Ostermann
Times Associate Editor

 

Following last year’s success of the annual Canadian Tire Jumpstart Campaign, which raised approximately $14,000, the franchise was among the top three locations in western Canada and in turn received a community BBQ valued at $20,000 – winnings the company decided to cut back on and instead disperse thousands of dollars into Strathmore schools.
Aware of budget cutbacks and keeping in line with the campaign’s objective of helping children stay active and fund disadvantaged children to fulfil their sporting aspirations, the company doled out $10,000 to be divided among eight schools within the area.
“We decided to scale back on the barbeque a little bit and take the excess funds and spend it in the community rather than spending the entire amount on the barbeque,” said Shelley Orford, co-owner of Canadian Tire in Strathmore.
“Jumpstart, their focus is kids, and we believe in that. So we wanted to do something that supported the youth and we know that schools are facing cutbacks on their funding, so we thought the best way to reach the youth in Strathmore is to give the schools the funds to come and buy whatever they want for their school.”
Canadian Tire dispersed the vouchers to the schools last week, allowing for the purchase of gym and recreational program equipment.
During the first year of participating in the campaign in 2011, the local store helped 21 kids in the local area, a number which has doubled each year since. By donating the money to schools, the institutions will be able to upgrade their schools with new equipment and benefit their students moving forward.
According to Orford the feedback from schools has been positive and appreciative.
“Their gratitude has been overwhelming,” she said. “They’ve been so grateful for this that it made us feel like we made the right choice.”
Canadian Tire will be hosting this year’s dunk-tank fundraiser on June 25.