This year has shaken many industries to their core. Some have managed to pivot while few have seen gains (I’m looking at you, Zoom and plexiglass manufacturers). Unfortunately, the restaurant and hospitality industries have seen some of the largest losses. The doors to many local establishments are locked, forcing workers into unemployment and many business owners to acknowledge that their lives are forever changed. As we continue to live in a COVID-19 limbo this fall and winter, let’s walk warmly into the season of giving. I know your holiday shopping list is already starting to take form. So let’s add some of Canada’s hospitality charities to your list. It’s the perfect time to support our neighbours and local businesses who need our help getting through this.
British Columbia
VAN FOOD AND BEVERAGE RELIEF FUND
This gofundme page gives all moneys raised to food & beverage workers impacted by COVID-19 who require urgent financial relief.
BC HOSPITALITY FOUNDATION
The BC Hospitality Foundation (BCHF) is a registered charity that raises funds to provide assistance to hospitality industry workers in financial crisis due to an extraordinary health condition.
The BCHF is currently running their BC: Our Beautiful Backyard lottery and there’s over $11,000 in prizes! Tickets are as low as $5 with incentives to buy multiples. Funds raised not only help the BCHF, but also gives a boost to BC’s tourism and hospitality industry.
For a complete list of prizes and to purchase your ticket, visit this link before November 1st.
Alberta
IN THE WEEDS YEG
In The Weeds is a group of passionate Edmonton hospitality professionals who have come together to provide resources and positive mental health support within the city’s hospitality community.
CALGARY FOUNDATION
This website encompasses all of the charity organizations in Calgary. You can search by area of need, population or organization type to determine the which places to support.
Ontario
FEED THE FRONTLINES TO
This gofundme page supports local Toronto restaurants with large meal orders for the city’s front staff. In addition, meals are provided to individuals who are unable to access existing traditional/emergency food options due to health conditions, disabilities, lack of access to kitchen space, and/or other such factors.
Canada
SAVE HOSPITALITY
Save Hospitality is a coalition of Canadian restaurateurs and suppliers that have come together in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis. They seek immediate and concrete support from all levels of government.
If You Need Assistance…
In doing research for this article, there were a couple of fund pages that were closed. They had reached their fundraising goal! While amazing, there is a long way to go in helping those whose lives have been altered so drastically.
If you’re a restaurant looking for guidance on how to navigate your business alongside COVID-19, visit Restaurants Canada (formerly CRFA).