OCSA rolls out plans for cStore Week in Ontario

The Ontario Convenience Stores Association (OCSA) and members are launching the province's cStore Week, which runs in Ontario from August 29 to September 3.

The week-long event has two major goals: raise awareness of the important role c-stores play in communities and raise funds for the Children's Foundation Hospitals throughout Ontario. 

• Sick Kids’ Foundation in Toronto


• Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Foundation in Ottawa


• Children’s Health Foundation in London


• McMaster Children’s Hospital Foundation in Hamilton

In 2020, during the pandemic-related lockdowns, the OCSA switched from a one-day event to a week-long effort.

In addition, in May 2021 the Ontario government accounced Royal Assent was given to Willowdale MPP Stan Cho’s private member’s Bill in the Ontario legislature proclaiming the week before Labour Day each year as Ontario Convenience Store Week.

The Convenience Store Week Act, 2021 recognizes and celebrate the hard-working individuals who work in Ontario’s convenience stores and the essential service they provided during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.

In a statement, OCSA said: "Politicians of all stripes from municipal to provincial to federal will be supporting the week and we are excited to garner your support with a donation to this charitable cause."

Operators are being encouraged to:

• Contact you local MPP’s office in your area and invite them to stop in your store for a photo with you during this week. 
• Collect donations from customers and suppliers for the hospitals.
• Put up posters: Available here.

In addition, OLG (Ontario Lottery & Gaming) and BioSteel are official sponsors for the OCSA-related celebrations and will be running related promotions. 

Click here for more information.