The third annual Novemburger kicked off on Monday.
This year, United Way of Thunder Bay is partnering with seventeen restaurants across the city for the competition and fundraiser. The event has expanded since last year, with three restaurants in Kenora now participating.
For each burger sold, $2 will be donated to United Way of Thunder Bay. Along with this, diners will be able to go online and cast their vote for their favourite burger.
“Last year we raised over $18,000, that’s a lot of burgers.” says Albert Brule, CEO of Thunder Bay United Way. “I think 6,730 burgers sold approximately. As an example, for every $1,300 we raise through this Novemburger campaign, that can provide 120 meals for a month for a local food kitchen. It’s great again for the community, it’s fun for the participants, it’s wonderful exposure for the restaurants, and we just encourage everyone to get involved and have some fun.”
Everyone who participates in the month long event can print their own Novemburger Passport by visiting uwaytbay.ca, which can be stamped at eight of the restaurant locations. This gives them the opportunity to win a $25 gift certificate from all eight locations.
This year there are five burger ambassadors for the month, including Burger Connoisseur Damien Gilbert who is returning for his third year.
“I think it’s a great cause and it’s a good incentive to support local and to support a local charity, and what better way than eating burgers,” says Gilbert. “It’s always good, and I find that every restaurant tries to get really creative and put together a big burger.”
Gilbert says he will be trying to hit every location participating by the end of the month.
Over the past two years, over 10,000 burgers have been sold for the event.
