Sofina Foods’ charitable group raises money for children’s causes in Canada

Sofina Foods, a privately owned Canadian company that produces private brand and consumer brand pork, beef, turkey and chicken products, has raised $375,000 through its charitable foundation to benefit children’s causes across Canada.

The money was raised through the Sofina Foundation and its annual Dream Builders initiative, donating grants to several charitable organizations across Canada. Since its creation in 2014, the Dream Builders' Campaign has redistributed a grand total of $1.8 million and granted 50 children their most heartfelt wishes.

"Cancer, poverty and mental health do not take a pause during a pandemic. Luckily, neither did our employees' and donors' relentless commitment to make a difference," said Umeeda Madhany, president of the Sofina Foundation. "To realize that we have raised more money in this unprecedented year, than ever before, shows me the true resilience of our Sofina family. Not only will we pick ourselves up, but we will lend a hand to lift others in need. As difficult as this year has been, witnessing the compassion it evoked has been inspirational," she said.

The charities selected this year include: Camp Oochigeas (Ooch), CNIB Foundation, FAB (Fit-Active-Beautiful) Foundation, Jim Pattison Children's Hospital, London Children's Hospital Foundation, Make-A-Wish Canada, March of Dimes Canada, Montreal Children's Hospital Foundation, Pine River Foundation, Starlight Foundation, Toronto Rehab's Project Search Program, United Way's All In For Youth Program, We Care Foundation (in support of Easter Seals Canada) and the local Wynyard Hospital.

Funds were collected through various initiatives that included employee payroll deductions, mask sales, raffles and various employee-driven events. Every dollar raised through the various fundraising efforts was matched, dollar for dollar, by Sofina Foods.

In addition, as part of its pandemic relief efforts, the Sofina Foundation donated 600 turkeys across Canada, led the preparation and delivery of thousands of meals to front-line workers over the summer and participated in countless other initiatives to ease the burden caused by the pandemic.

Sofina's family of branded products consists of: Cuddy, Lilydale, Janes, Mastro, San Daniele, Fletcher's, Vienna and Zamzam. Sofina Foods currently operates 16 HACCP-approved manufacturing facilities, three distribution centers, three hatcheries and employs close to 5,000 people.