GUELPH – November is over and along with it, a savoury fundraising campaign that brought in more than $20,000 for the United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin.
“We’re thrilled to report that over the month of November, 2,765 burgers were sold in support of NovemBurger,” local United Way executive director Glenna Banda stated in a news release announcing the results of the NovemBurger fundraising campaign.
“With $2 from each burger sold being donated to United Way and additional sponsorship and donations, over $20,000 has been raised to support local food security programs across Guelph, Wellington and Dufferin.”
The campaign, presented by Elinesky Schuett Private Wealth of RBC Dominion Securities, saw 14 restaurants participate, each offering a unique burger creation for sale throughout the month.
The United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin’s Colin McCusker presented awards to local restaurants during the NovemBurger wrap-up event. Pictured with McCusker is Bar Mason’s Ilse Havenga with the trophy for Top NovemBurger. Submitted photo
It officially wrapped up with an event on Dec. 6 at Miijidaa Café and Bistro, where United Way presented special awards to the top restaurants for their burgers’ creativity, tastiness and overall popularity.
Described as “the most coveted award,” Top NovemBurger of the Year went to Bar Mason’s “Kicked-Up Mason Burger,” which featured a chuck and brisket blend, whisky barbecue sauce, aioli, bacon, lettuce, tomato, cheese, smashed avocado and fried onions.
This award was chosen by “NovemBurger Ambassadors,” who visited all the locations to taste all the burger creations throughout the month, ranking their presentation, taste, originality and overall execution.
There was also an award for Most NovemBurgers Sold, which went to Miijidaa. The Guelph restaurant sold 623 of its Wild North Boar Burger.
And throughout the month, fans also voted on their favourite burgers to determine first-, second- and third-place People’s Choice awards. First went to Tap House Craft Beer in Orangeville, second to Deja Vu Diner in Orangeville, and third to the Wooly in Guelph.
The two Orangeville restaurants challenged each other to a “burger battle” on social media to engage more supporters for the campaign.
McCusker with Miijidaa’s Katie Shewen, who won the award for most NovemBurgers sold. Submitted photo
“The little side competition with our friends at Deja Vu was a great opportunity to poke a bit of fun at each other and help drive business to both spots,” Tap House owner Michael Beattie stated in the release.
“Looks like they might be coming for us next year though.”
The campaign was part of the local United Way’s larger annual campaign, which kicked off in September, but NovemBurger funds have been earmarked to support food security programs, such as East Wellington Community Services Food Bank and the Orangeville Food Bank.
“As many of our neighbours, friends and family are struggling to put food on their tables, we are grateful to the community for their support. But the fact is, we need every dollar to continue to help make a difference in our communities,” stated Banda.
“If you have the capacity to give to the United Way campaign this year, or even give a little bit more, every donation will ensure no one in our community has to face challenges alone.”
Donations, which remain local, can be made online at unitewaygwd.com, by phone at 519-821-0571, or in person at the United Way office, 85 Westmount Rd., Guelph.
McCusker presented Tap House Craft Beer owner Michael Beattie with the first place People’s Choice award – voted on by members of the public. Submitted photo
