Mars Canada pledged $75,000 to Caledon Community Services – a non-profit organization focused on supporting people of all ages by providing opportunities and resources for improved health and well-being, jobs and training – as part of the company’s ongoing investment in a better future for people, pets, and the planet.
The donation extends a long-term partnership between Mars and Caledon Community Services (CCS) that will see Mars continue its legacy of donating funds, food and volunteer hours to support the community of Bolton-Caledon.
“For over 30 years, Mars has produced both Ben’s Original and pet care brands Pedigree, Whiskas, and Iams in Bolton which we are proud to call home. Mars has provided nutritious meals and warm homes to thousands of Caledon families, children, youth, and seniors in need,” said Eric Huston, General Manager, Mars Food, Canada. “Through our partnership with CCS, we see our purpose in action, working to create the world we want tomorrow starting with how we do business today.”
The Mars team visited CCS at the Exchange – the on-site location in which CCS provides vital food support, essential assistance, and critical resources to more than 900 Caledon residents in need every year, engages and educates the community on issues of food insecurity and poverty. The group toured the space, helped prepare a nutritious meal using Ben’s Original rice for area residents, and learned the direct impact of the partnership.
“Caledon Community Services is grateful to Mars for this continued partnership in helping fight food insecurity, lift hundreds of families out of poverty, respond to emerging challenges and sustain many critical services in Caledon at a time of unprecedented need,” said Geraldine Aguiar, CEO, Caledon Community Services.
The partnership follows an established history of creating a better tomorrow by helping to address and alleviate emerging challenges in the Caledon community. Over the years, Mars associates have contributed thousands of volunteer hours with CCS, helping to cook healthy meals as well as sort and distribute thousands of pounds of food to local residents. Earlier this year, Mars associates joined the nationwide Coldest Night of the Year walk to help those struggling with hunger and precarious housing. Over the past year, Mars has donated more than 10,000 lbs of food for Caledon neighbours in need.
Mars’ Legacy of Community Support
- When times were particularly tough during the pandemic in 2020, Mars Food Associates stepped-up to donate nearly $20,000 to CCS through a COVID-relief Associate matching grant program.
- In 2021, Mars donated the first pallet of the new Ben’s Original produced at its Bolton Food Plant to Caledon Community Services.
- Since 2021, Mars Food has donated nearly 300,000 healthy meals through its national Be an After School Hero program and its Food Banks Canada partnership, as well as through partnerships with local non-profits like Caledon Community Services.
- Mars Food has donated more than $250,000 in food to local food banks and partners – the equivalent of 87,536 meals.
- In 2022, Mars launched the Ben’s Original Seat at the Table Fund; $200,000 over two years of renewable, needs-based awards to create opportunities for people from underrepresented and equity-deserving communities to pursue careers in the food industry.
Source: Mars
