Buy a burger, support a good cause

Times Contributor

 

On May 12 at M&M Meat Shops, a burger, chips and a drink  will  go a long way to help a good cause.

That’s because Strathmore’s M&M Meat Shops is participating in the annual, cross-country  M&M Charity BBQ Day to benefit the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of Canada (CCFC).

As of yet there is not a cure for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, which are two forms of inflammatory bowel disease.

This year marks the 24th year since M&M Meat Shops began fundraising for CCFC. In that time M&M Meat Shops  has collected over $21 million. 

“The people of Strathmore are very giving, helpful and kind, whether or not they are touched by this dreadful disease,” said Strathmore M&M Meat Shop owner Brenda Impey.

Most people pay more than the minimum  $3 for the lunch, said Impey.

“They just say ‘keep the change’.”

Impey and her husband Robin also own the M&M Meat Shops in Chestermere. 

In addition to the main event on May 12, there is also the M&M Meat Shops Star Donation program. The Star Donation program starts three weeks before the main event.

“People give a loonie or a toonie here and there, and we write their name on a star,” said Impey.

The funds raised by the Star Donation program are added to the national  fundraising effort. 

Last year the Strathmore alone raised $2,155 for the CCFC.

This year’s event is being put together by a couple dozen volunteers, and is organized by volunteer captain Cindy Duke. 

Duke, a CCFC sufferer since age 18, said CCFC is more prominent in Alberta than anywhere else in the world. 

Though this is the only fundraiser for Crohn’s and Colitis that is held annually in Strathmore, throughout the year a number of organizations host their own fundraisers. 

“We give them everything but the meat,” said Impey.

On April 28, 2012, it was the Crowfoot 4-H Multi Club’s turn to host a fundraiser BBQ to help finance a youth exchange across Canada next year.

“Our community supports us,” said Impey, “so we support it too.”

This year the fundraising goal of the M&M Charity BBQ Day is $1.5 million. 

Both Strathmore and Chestermere will host their BBQ’s on May 12 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.