Supporting a worthy cause in a sweetly Canadian way.

When people think of maple syrup, many things might come to mind. Delicious pancakes drizzled with the good stuff, maple glazed salmon, or trips to the sugar bush in early spring are perhaps some of the things often associated with maple syrup.

But for Tim Turcotte, the franchise owner of Heart to Home Meals Halton-a meal delivery service for seniors-maple syrup is also a means of supporting a cause that is dear to his heart.

“We came up with the idea a few years ago when we raised funds for a Boy Scouts’ Venturer troop by selling maple syrup bottles from Love’s Sweetness Maple Syrup” said Turcotte. Tim and co-owner Karen Story were delighted at the success of the initiative with many of their customers eagerly participating. “The generosity of our customers ensured that we not only met our fundraising targets but exceeded them” said Story.

Always on the lookout for a worthy cause to support, Turcotte later came across the Alzheimer Society and learned of the invaluable work they have been doing offering people with dementia and their families: education, support groups, counselling, and wellness activities. “When I learned about all the great work the Alzheimer Society was doing, I knew I had to do what I can to support this great cause,” said Turcotte.

Cue the maple syrup!

The Heart to Home Meals Halton team promptly began a new fundraising initiative in support of the Alzheimer Society, and they again were met with an outpouring of support from their customers. “The maple syrup bottles sold like hotcakes!” said Turcotte. “We were absolutely amazed by the response we saw from our customers”.

Tim and Karen have now been running fundraisers for three years and to their delight, they have managed to double the amount they raised each year. This year, the fundraiser expanded when Heart to Home Meals Hamilton franchise owner, Fred Piercy got involved and was greatly supported by Hillsview Active Living Centre in Georgetown.

“It seems like each year we see even more enthusiasm and appreciation from our customers for this initiative,” said Story. “I think it speaks to a growing awareness of the challenges people with Alzheimer’s disease face and a desire from many to show their support”.

There are many ways in which people can offer support for causes that are dear to their heart. For the franchise owners of Heart to Home Meals (Halton and Hamilton), running fundraisers by appealing to the love Canadians have for all things maple is the way to go.