2022 Impact Awards winner: Convenience Industry Council of Canada

Each year, to close out the month of August, the Convenience Industry Council of Canada puts on National Convenience Week—to celebrate the industry and raise money for the Make-A-Wish charity. This year, an amazing $213,000 was raised (a 52% increase over last year) and since 2017, more than $915,000 has been raised for Make-A-Wish, representing nearly 100 wishes granted to critically ill children.

“The proceeds from this event are a significant annual backing from an essential industry in Canada,” says Meaghan Stovel McKnight, CEO, Make-A-Wish Canada.

But NCW is also about bringing politicians and community leaders into their local convenience stores to see first-hand just how integral convenience stores are to the communities in which they operate.

“Educating and engaging politicians on the issues impacting c-store businesses and our industry, are crucial to our future prosperity,” explains Jeff Brownlee, CICC’s VP communications and stakeholder relations. “Not only do we raise much needed funds for critically ill children, but politicians get to witness our front-line workers in action and gain a better appreciation for our role in supporting communities across Canada.”

A lot of time and effort goes into NCW, but the results are worth it, said Brownlee. “We frequently hear: ‘I had no idea this is what it takes to operate a convenience store,’ from decision makers.”