The Guelph community came together in a big way this March, helping raise $13,136 through Jersey Mike’s Month of Giving campaign — all in support of the Children’s Foundation of Guelph and Wellington’s Keep Kids Fed at Home program.

The donation was officially presented on Tuesday at Jersey Mike’s location in Stone Road Mall, where local store manager Shadoe O’Dell praised the overwhelming support from staff and customers.

“It was a hit right from the start,” said O’Dell. “Customers loved it — they’d donate $5 and get a free sub coupon for their next visit. It was a win-win.”

Throughout the entire month of March, the campaign maintained strong momentum, culminating in the Day of Giving on March 26, when 100% of all sales were donated directly to the charity. The Guelph store didn’t just meet expectations — it exceeded them, becoming the top-earning Jersey Mike’s location in Ontario for the campaign.

“We shot those numbers through the roof,” O’Dell said, adding that many customers ended up buying more once they realized every dollar was going to help feed local kids.

Brand director Paul Pascal credited the incredible success to both the community’s generosity and the store’s passionate team. “It’s a Guelph thing — people care here,” he said. “Our staff knows that giving back is part of who we are at Jersey Mike’s and Redberry Restaurants, and it really boosts morale and commitment.”

The Guelph Jersey Mike’s opened just this past January, and the team has been fundraising since day one. Their chosen cause — the Keep Kids Fed at Home program — supports children in the region who are facing severe food insecurity.

According to Jodi Carreiro, community engagement manager at the Children’s Foundation, the donation will provide nearly 900 bags of food — almost two full weeks of support for the children enrolled in the program.

“There’s still a waiting list,” Carreiro explained. “We serve more than 500 kids right now, and we’ve identified over 700 who need support. This program is for kiddos who need help beyond school — food that’s kid-friendly and kid-approved, for when they’re at home.”

Thanks to the success of this campaign, more children in Guelph will be able to count on nutritious food at home — a powerful reminder of what’s possible when a community comes together.