Sub shop supports mission to grant life-changing wishes!
Make‑A‑Wish Canada celebrates a landmark moment in its national partnership with Jersey Mike’s Subs and its franchisor Redberry Restaurants: the company has announced a transformative pledge to raise $1 million by 2030. This extraordinary commitment strengthens a partnership already making a measurable impact, rooted in dedication to granting more life‑changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. Since the start of 2024, Jersey Mike’s locations in Canada have raised nearly $270,000 for Make‑A‑Wish.
The announcement was shared on Monday, May 25 during a private celebration at Jersey Mike’s newest location at 425 University Avenue — the company’s second location in downtown Toronto. The event brought together wish families and alumni, community supporters, and Make‑A‑Wish Canada representatives to mark a shared commitment to bringing hope, joy, and healing to children with critical illnesses at a time they need it most.
Jersey Mike’s $1 million pledge solidifies its role as one of Make‑A‑Wish Canada’s most impactful national corporate partners. The fundraising efforts will support wish-granting from coast to coast to coast, helping the organization reach more children across the country. Currently, there are 3,500 children waiting for their wishes to be granted.
“Through our partnership with Make-A-Wish Canada, we’ve seen that a wish can be life-changing for a child living with a critical illness,” said Ken Otto, CEO, Redberry. “That’s why we’re proud to deepen our commitment and continue supporting this mission over the next five years.”
Kiran Benet, Chief People Officer, Redberry, added, “As a wish mom, I’ve seen firsthand the power a wish has to lift a child’s spirit and strengthen a family during the toughest moments. This gift represents Jersey Mike’s belief in that power and our commitment to helping more families experience the hope that a wish brings.”
“This extraordinary pledge from Jersey Mike’s will change the trajectory of hundreds of lives,” said Meaghan Stovel McKnight, CEO of Make‑A‑Wish Canada. “Their generosity and belief in our mission ensure that more children will experience healing a wish provides, because wishes are medicine. We are deeply grateful for this partnership and the impact it will continue to make across Canada.”
Jersey Mike’s at 425 University Avenue opens to the public on Wednesday, May 27, with a five-day fundraiser in support of Make-A-Wish Canada. Customers who receive a special fundraising coupon distributed through a grassroots effort prior to the opening can make a minimum $3 donation to Make-A-Wish Canada in exchange for a regular sub. Customers must have a coupon to be eligible.
Redberry now operates 26 Jersey Mike’s locations in Alberta (Edmonton, Lethbridge, Grande Prairie), Saskatchewan (two in Regina, Prince Albert, Saskatoon) and Ontario (London, Kitchener, Markham, York Mills, two in downtown Toronto, Pickering, Woodbridge, two in Mississauga, Brantford, Guelph, Owen Sound, Barrie, Waterdown, Cambridge, Newmarket, Maple, and Belleville). Nineteen locations have supported Make-A-Wish Canada during their grand opening fundraisers.
