A handful of Ottawa-area restaurants have been acknowledged for their part in the success of the United Way’s “Novemburger” campaign.
Last month, the United Way East Ontario launched its first “Novemburger” campaign in an effort to raise funds, with $2 from every burger going toward the charity.
The campaign resulted in 3,516 qualifying burgers being sold and $15,000 being raised.
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“The tough, complex problems are never solved by one organization, one policy, or program,” said Dennise Taylor-Gilhen, interim president and CEO of United Way East Ontario, in a news release. “It was amazing to see members of our community come together so enthusiastically to support their favourite local businesses through Novemburger while making a difference for the most vulnerable people at the same time.”
The burger that was named the winner of the people’s choice award was the Blackburn 84 at the Blackburn Arms on Innes Road in Blackburn Hamlet, featuring homemade burger sauce, caramelized onions, bacon strips, melted Monterey Jack cheese, and deep-fried jalapeño rings atop a brioche bun.
The Novemburger of the year, as voted by the campaign’s ambassadors, was the Myles burger at Bamm’s Snack Shack on Cobourg Street in Ottawa, which also clinched the No. 2 spot on the people’s choice award list. The Myles burger has a brisket beef patty, lettuce, pickles, onions, bacon jam, sweet Bamm sauce and crispy jalapeños.
The third people’s choice burger was the Halloumi Haven from Edinburger on Springfield Road in Ottawa. With a beef kaftah patty, this burger also features mint labneh cheese, jalapeño chimichurri, grilled cucumber relish, roasted red peppers, lettuce and red onion.
“When this opportunity arose, (we knew) it was something that could not only get our name out there, but it was also a chance for us to give back in maybe a different capacity than what we’re used to. The chain reaction of buying local, it just perpetually gives back and to see that growth (in our community because people care) is pretty incredible,” said Matt Atton, owner of Bamm’s Snack Shack, in the release.
At the beginning of the campaign, OBJ spoke with three of the 16 participating restaurants about their offerings, as well as why they wanted to participate.
One of those restaurateurs was Jamie Law, co-owner of Law & Orders, with six locations in Ottawa and Eastern Ontario and one in Belleville. With all of his locations participating, Law was looking to maximize his impact and it seems his hickory crunch burger stole the show.
Of the 3,516 burgers sold during the campaign, Law & Orders was responsible for 1,000, providing approximately $2,000 toward the campaign.
“At the end of the day, it’s about being good humans, looking out for your neighbours, and giving back. That shouldn’t even be a question. I love what United Way does, and it’s fantastic to be part of it. We’re all on the same team, and by working together, we can achieve things that help everyone in the long run,” Law said in the release.
Members of the community also helped with the success of the campaign. The United Way East Ontario organized an ambassador team tasked with trying each burger and posting about it on their social media.
