It is 20 years since Bakers Delight launched in Vancouver, Canada under the Cobs Bread banner. To commemorate this milestone all of its 160 bakeries are doubling down on their commitment to the brand’s End of Day Giving program.
Aaron Gillespie, Cobs Bread president, said “With the cost of food and groceries continuing to rise, many Canadians from coast to coast to coast are struggling more than ever to feed their families. This is why, at the end of each day, every bakery continues to donate leftover bread to local charitable programs in their respective communities.”
Cobs Bread franchisees donate leftover bread to charities
On average, each franchise is providing an approximate retail value of C$1,000 of baked goods daily. Recipient charities include food banks, school breakfast programs, after school programs, youth charities, and community groups.
Since 2003 more than 500 local charities have received an estimated C$560 million (A$631m) worth of product. Last year alone, the franchise chain donated more than C$60 million in retail value.
“We recognise the immense commitment it takes to implement a food donation program, and we would like to acknowledge the tremendous efforts of all the volunteers, local community organisations and our franchisees for making this happen every single day,” says Gillespie.
The franchise chain is sharing 20 years of learnings, insights and expertise in a downloadable step-by-step food donation guide.
“Our End of Day Giving program has been part of Cobs Bread’s DNA since the very beginning,” says Gillespie. “It’s the fabric of who we are as a brand. We hope this guide inspires others to get started.”
Cobs Bread has received a Franchisees’ Choice Designation from the Canadian Franchise Association for 13 consecutive years. It is also recognised as a Great Place to Work for five years running.
The Bakers Delight business is a multi-generational family business. Roger and Lesley Gillespie opened the first bakery in 1980. Since then the group has expanded to 700 bakeries globally, including 145 Cobs Bread bakeries across Canada.
