2026 Impact Awards Winner: D’Ont Poke the Bear

COMMUNITY SERVICE | LOCAL IMPACT | GIVING BACK

9/8/2026

Founded in 2017, D’Ont Poke the Bear Wines is more than just a brand; it is a deeply personal mission born from the co-founders’ own history with bullying and a steadfast commitment to supporting Kids Help Phone.

The story starts with co-founders Andrew von Teichman and Allan Jackson (also one the of founders of Jackson-Triggs, who passed away in 2025) whose shared experiences with bullying in their youth shaped their professional journey.

In the brand logo, the bear wears an eye patch inspired by a childhood experience where von Teichman had to wear a patch to help with a lazy eye.

The co-founders' enduring legacy is a shared goal to raise awareness for bullying prevention across Canada.

To date, D’Ont Poke the Bear Wines has donated $250,000 to Kids Help Phone, supporting vital services for youth across the country, including 24/7 support and mental health e-services.

In addition to crafting exceptional Canadian wine and craft cider, D’Ont Poke the Bear is a brand built on resilience, kindness and standing up for others.

The co-founders’ ability to transform their experiences into motivation to help others is inspiring.

It transforms a simple message into a reminder that everyone has a role to play in creating a more respectful, inclusive world.

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New in 2026, CSNC invited leaders of winning organizations to answer two questions.

What is the core “why” behind your initiative?
How does this initiative align with your broader business goals?

"D'Ont Poke the Bear was built around a simple idea: kindness is a strength, not a weakness. The name itself is a reminder to think about the impact our words and actions can have on others. While it's playful on the surface, it carries a much more meaningful message underneath. We wanted to create a brand that stood for something beyond the bottle and could help spark conversations about respect, inclusion and standing up for one another. Partnering with Kids Help Phone was a natural extension of that vision because they're making a real difference in the lives of young Canadians every day. We believe brands are most meaningful when they have a clear purpose. Great wine may introduce someone to D'Ont Poke the Bear, but shared values are what build lasting connections. Supporting Kids Help Phone has allowed us to create a brand that resonates on a deeper level while contributing to a cause that reflects who we are as a company. It's shown us that doing the right thing and building a successful brand aren't competing priorities, they strengthen one another. Reaching $250,000 in donations is an incredible milestone, but what we're most proud of is creating a brand that encourages kindness every time someone picks up a bottle."

- Brae Laufman, senior national brand manager, Diamond Estates Wines & Spirit

READ ALL ABOUT THE 2026 WINNERS HERE

Winners are also featured in the September/October 2026 issue of Convenience Store News Canada

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2026 Impact Awards Winner: D’Ont Poke the Bear

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