THUNDER BAY — Halloween is over, so in Thunder Bay, that means Novemburger has arrived.
Chefs at 15 different restaurants and eating establishments have worked long and hard to put together their own, unique mouth-watering creation, which will be sold throughout the month, with $2 from each sale being donated to the United Way of Thunder Bay.
It’s a tasty way to support a great cause, said Albert Brulé, CEO of the local United Way chapter.
“We promote so many ways that people can support the United Way. You could do a payroll deduction at work, you can do a donation online, you can participate in events, but how much fun is it to go out with your family and friends, enjoy a delicious burger and get that extra heartwarming feeling that you’re also giving back to the community at the same time,” Brulé said during the event kickoff on Tuesday.
“It’s a win-win.”
Last year, more than 10,000 burgers were sold at participating restaurants, led by the 2,500-plus sold at Prospector Burger Barn alone.
That helped raise more than $20,000 for the cause.
“We obviously are indebted to all of the restaurants,” Brulé said. “We’ve had numerous restaurants over the years that have stepped up and donated, most of which come back each year. Not only do the sale of these burgers help contribute to the community, with $2 from each burger going back to the United Way to support all of the programs and supports we provide, but it’s also promoting local business. These restaurants, they tell us every year it’s a boost to their sales. It’s fun, and we have the ambassadors posting.”
Each year local influencers join the effort, agreeing to do their best to try all the burgers up for grabs, while posting their efforts to their social media platforms.
“I think this even is a staple in our community,” said activist Jason Veltri. “It’s one of the really fun and community minded events that helps bring awareness to what the United Way is doing and the fact that what we see now in our city and across the country is poverty is real and we’ve got to find ways to innovate. This is innovative.”
Anna Torontow, a singer with the jazz trio Mood Indigo, said it’s all about community.
“It’s such a great feeling, not only to support the United Way and their endeavours and everybody that benefits from them, but also to support local businesses that have struggled so much over the last few years,” she said.
Participating restaurants include Bonobo’s Foods, Anchor and Ore, Red Lion Smokehouse, Gateway Casino, Madhouse, Java Hut, El Tres, The Sal, Beefcake Burger Factory, Prospector Burger Barn, Galaxy Lounge, Skal at the Valhalla Hotel, Bight Restaurant and Bar, and the Foundry.
Prizes will be handed out for the top-selling restaurant and for the tastiest burger. Diners can also download a burger passport and keep track of their progress, with the chance to become a 2023 ambassador.
