While franchisees are well-known for driving local economies and creating jobs, their impact extends far beyond business operations. Franchisees are integral to the communities they serve, providing support in numerous forms – from sponsoring community events, to making donations and raising funds for local causes.
Cases in point can be seen below where well-known franchise brands are making a meaningful impact in their communities.
M&M Food Market, for example, hasraised more than $450,000 over the past 5 years to support BGC Canada, funding essential programs for children and youth. What began as a pandemic initiative has evolved into a national partnership, with franchisees contributing locally through food and gift card donations, as well as event sponsorship.
Pita Pit meanwhilesupports the Make-A-Wish Foundation nationally and invites local franchisees to participate.
At a local level though B.C.-based franchisee Pavneet Singh, who has been a franchisee since 2011 and owns five locations, raised $10,000 for Kelowna General Hospital in 2024 by donating a dollar from each pita sold. And over in Brantford, Ontario, franchisee Chris Settimi has been supporting Brantford General Hospital by raising approximately $1,500 every February for the last 10 years.
Elsewhere, Dairy Queen continues a long-standing tradition of charitable giving, having raised over $52 million for children’s hospitals in Canada since its partnership with Canada’s Children’s Hospital Foundations began 40 years ago. Every year, DQ raises approximately $3 million through efforts like Miracle Treat Day, where net proceeds from every Blizzard sold are donated to local hospitals. DQ franchisees are deeply involved in these initiatives, with nearly 100% of locations participating in Miracle Treat Day.
And Osmow’s Shawarma, through their charity, Osmow’s Hope Fund, raised over $108,000 in 2023, with 100% of funds directly supporting various causes. In 2024, the Osmow’s Hope Fund partnered with a charitable organization to construct four wells and four kitchens in Zambia, providing over 1,000 children with daily meals and access to clean water in places of learning.
Locally, Osmow’s donates food to shelters and food banks, helping feed those in need across Canada. Internationally, they have supported over 2,200 children in Zambia and India with school meals and are contributing to sustainable development efforts such as building wells, kitchens, and schools.
Finally, Realstar Hospitality; the Canadian master franchisor for Days Inn, Motel 6, and Studio 6, has supported both national and local charities through donations, volunteer efforts, and hands-on involvement. A recent initiative saw them sponsor the Winnipeg MS Walk in 2024 and match $12,000 raised through a charity barbecue for MS research. Realstar also works to combat human trafficking through staff training programs, further solidifying their commitment to community welfare.
These are just a few examples of how franchise owners are giving back to the communities in which they operate; and in ways that go far beyond business.
