On August 28, the Ontario Convenience Stores Association and over 6,000 of its members were proud to cheer on the 250 local convenience stores that teamed up with politicians and local dignitaries to support children's healthcare. A total of 27 MPPs and MPs, as well as countless community members and customers, enjoyed the day's activities.
The OCSA is the proud founder of C-Store Day in Ontario – a yearly event where independent and regional convenience store chains across the province partner with community leaders to fundraise for local children’s charities. This year, we partnered with SickKids Foundation and its regional partner charities. All funds raised on August 28 went toward supporting their work to improve children’s health.
As local community businesses, convenience stores are always looking for ways to build stronger relationships with their customers and the organizations that are important to them. C-Store Day has always been a great opportunity to do this and we thank the customers that helped support our convenience stores, many of which are independent small businesses, across Ontario.
As has become a C-Store Day tradition, community leaders once again became store employees for the day and local MPPs, MPs, Mayors, EMS professionals and local law enforcement officers all took turns serving customers, pumping gas and running in-store promotions.
This year’s in-store event raised funds for several remarkable charities, including Children’s Health Foundation, McMaster Children’s Hospital Foundation, SickKids Foundation and CHEO Foundation. These fundraising efforts will help improve the lives of thousands of children who rely on health care professionals at Ontario’s four children’s hospitals for specialized treatment, therapy and services.
Our proceeds will support the highest priority needs in the hospitals, including critical research, education and the purchase of life-saving equipment.
Thank you to all that made this day come true for a wonderful cause working together for the betterment of many. The day is simply summed up by a quote from the Associate Minister of Ontario, Prabmeet Sarkaria, “There is nothing small about small businesses. Big hopes, big dreams and big opportunities”.