OpenRoad Auto Group’s dealership staff and corporate employees helped raise $46,800 for local food banks in British Columbia and Ontario.
The funds were raised during the company’s inaugural OpenRoad Walkathon, which saw hundreds of staff associates from dealerships in both Metro Vancouver and the Greater Toronto Area, in addition to head office employees in Richmond, B.C., participate in the Dec. 2-14 event.
“We’re so proud of our entire team for hitting the pavement to raise funds for their local food banks,” said Christian Chia, CEO of OpenRoad Auto Group. “We’re really pleased to step up and do our part to help feed families that are in need of nutritious meals.”
Chia added that 2020 was a challenging year for local food banks, due to increased demand for (non-perishable) food items amid the pandemic.
OpenRoad said it donated $5 for every kilometre walked, based on employee donations and company matching funds. Its teams in Greater Vancouver and the Fraser Valley raised $41,800 for the Greater Vancouver Food Bank, and its two Brampton stores raised $5,000 for the GTA Food Banks.
“Food banks in all regions are experiencing a significant decline in contributions while the need for support has increased during the pandemic,” said OpenRoad. “The Greater Vancouver Food Bank (GVFB) supports around 6,000 people every week through their direct distribution across Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster and the North Shore.”
They also provide food support to around 21,000 people through community agency partners for things like after school programs, homeless shelters, transition houses, and more.
