ONroute raises funds for Support Our Troops

ONroute helped raise more than $116,000 last year for the annual Support Our Troops campaign, which supports serving members, Veterans and families of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) in Ontario. The annual campaign took place throughout November and December and rallied funds from ONroute customers across the province. 

“Thanks to the continued generosity of our customers and employees, this year’s partnership was a remarkable success in raising awareness and funds for direct support where it is needed the most,” says Melanie Teed-Murch, CEO of ONroute. “We are grateful with profound gratitude and respect for those who have served and continue to serve our country for our rights and freedoms.” 

The $116,000 that ONroute helped raise directly support issues faced by Veterans, currently serving members, and their families such as emergency financial assistance, support for children with special needs, and the Holiday Hamper Program. 

This is the third year of ONroute’s partnership with Support Our Troops, a national organization that has operated within the Canadian Forces Morale and Welfare Services since its inception in 2007. Each year, ONroute asks its customers to donate $1 in support per transaction. In 2020, the campaign’s first year, ONroute raised over $48,000 in one month. In 2021, the company extended its campaign to two months and raised more than $144,000. ONroute announced the kick-off of the 2022 campaign on November 1. 

“We are grateful for another successful year of working with ONroute and its guests on this campaign,” says Todd Stride for Support Our Troops. “Their staff and customers have shown unwavering generosity. It is inspiring to see this level of support, which has a direct and positive impact on military members, Veterans, and their families.”

Last year, Support Our Troops provided 98 scholarships to military family members across Canada, distributed $2 million to support military members and their families, and sent 273 children to summer camp.

The charity has operated its Holiday Hamper Program since 2015 and has grown it substantially in the past six years. Last year, the program provided over $135,200 in gift cards to 766 members and families in 10 provinces. The organization’s National Scholarship Program also offers several annual scholarships to family members of CAF members and Veterans that are enrolled in a post-secondary program at an accredited Canadian college or university. It distributed $240,000 through 98 scholarships in 2022. 

ONroute travellers were able to donate to the campaign at the company’s 23 locations along Highways 400 and 401 in Ontario. The company’s locations are pit-stops where travellers can access franchise food brands, washroom facilities, gas and other services including free WiFi for motorists and travellers. The company’s ONmarket gives customers drink and snack options, a selection of fresh grocery and novelties like toys and small gifts.

ONroute also introduced electric-vehicle charging stations at 16 of its locations in August of last year. Each of the locations is equipped with two to four chargers and the company noted the possibility of expansion last summer.