M&M Charity BBQ a Success
M&M Fundraiser a Success
by Karina Hunter
Volunteer chef, Devan Weller, keeps things fun.
Yesterday, Marathon’s M&M Meat Shops was among those across Canada that held their 22nd Annual M&M Meat Shops Charity BBQ Day in support of the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of Canada (CCFC). The community event raises public awareness and money for crucial medical research for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, also known as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Owner Dave Wirtz was on site coordinating the event throughout the day, sharing information about CCFC with those in attendance. Also in attendance was CFNO’s Al Cresswell ‘Live on Location’ helping to promote the event by encouraging listeners to join them at the meat shop. Though the sun was shining, winds were brisk and cold but this did not deter Marathon residents from coming out to support the very worthwhile cause as a steady stream of customers kept the volunteer cooks flipping burgers all day long. For just $2.50 attendees could choose between a hamburger or hot dog each came with a bag of chips and a drink as well. Participants of Marathon’s 1st Annual Garage Tour lent their support, calling in an order for 60 hamburgers and 20 hot dogs, the largest single order for the day.
Shift change for Grant Dee (centre) who cooked from 10-1 as Mike Caruk takes over until 4.
This year’s fundraising goal was $2 million dollars, over the years M&M Meat Shops Franchisees, Product Consultants, customers and volunteers have raised more than $18.3 million for IBD research through various charitable initiatives. Wirtz was waiting for M&M to announce their national total before releasing details of how his Marathon franchise did; his total will be posted on www.OntarioNewsNorth.com when released to the public, he wanted to thank all the volunteers and customers who had participated making the event a success once again.
Quick Facts
- There is no known cause for IBD.
- More than 200,000 Canadians are affected by
either Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. - These diseases affect the digestive system and cause the intestinal tissue to become inflamed, form sores and bleed easily. Symptoms include abdominal pain, cramping, fatigue and diarrhea.
- The partnership between M&M Meat Shops and the CCFC extends beyond Charity BBQ Day. M&M Meat Shops ongoing fundraising initiatives include:
– National Family Dinner Night;
– Raising funds through regional and celebrity golf tournaments;
– Providing counter space for CCFC coin boxes;
– Raising funds through sales of Charity BBQ Day stars;
– Sponsoring the Heel ‘n’ Wheel-a-thon and providing support in the form of BBQs in many event locations across the country;
– In 1995, the CCFC established the M&M Meat Shops Grant in Aid of Research to honour its major benefactor. This was the first time CCFC named a grant in a donor’s name and continues to do so annually.
MORE INFO
o Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation
o CFNO FM
