COBS Bread fundraising campaign supports Local Community Food Centre

Jerry Arai, operations manager, and Caylie Butcher, sales team leader, place the $2,500 milestone sticker on the donation tracker at COBS Bread Stratford Feb. 26 during the bakery’s fundraising campaign for the Local Community Food Centre.

A recently opened Stratford bakery is inviting residents to help support food security programs through its annual fundraising campaign for the Local Community Food Centre.

COBS Bread Stratford, located at 1067 Ontario St. with an exterior entrance of the Stratford Mall, is currently collecting customer donations in store, with funds supporting the organization’s programs, including community meals, food education and food access initiatives.

Operations manager Jerry Arai said the campaign is part of a national tradition across the company.

“Every COBS Bread across the country does this every year, raising money for a local charity,” Arai said.

This year, the Stratford location selected the Local Community Food Centre after owner Sara Lisk connected with the organization while preparing to open the business in the city.

“The Local was one of the first organizations my wife met with when we were looking at opening in Stratford, and she was really touched by what they have going on there,” Arai said.

“She was invited to a community meal, and it brings all kinds of people from all walks of life together to share a meal and build a sense of community. That really resonated with her.”

The campaign began in early February and runs until Saturday, March 7, when the bakery will mark its official Donation Day. On that day, $2 from every six-pack of hot cross buns sold will be donated to the Local, in addition to customer contributions collected throughout the month.

Arai said the community has already responded strongly.

“Stratford is a very generous community. We haven’t even made it to the big day yet and we’re already halfway to our $5,000 goal,” he said.

Beyond the annual fundraiser, the bakery also contributes through its end-of-day giving program, which donates unsold bread to local organizations each night.

“The biggest way we see need is through that program,” Arai said. “Whatever we don’t sell at night is donated to local charities – seven nights a week.”

The Stratford store opened in October 2024 and is part of a group of five locations operated by Lisk and Arai in southwestern Ontario.

Arai said community involvement is central to how they operate their business.

“The community is going to support our business, so you support the community right back,” he said.

“We wouldn’t be able to do what we do without the support of the communities we operate in. It’s only right that we support them in return.”

He encouraged residents to consider contributing or learning more about the Local’s programs.

“If you know the Local, then you know the good work they do,” he said. “And if you don’t, go check out one of their community meals – you’ll get a great meal and meet someone new.”

Don’t miss the opportunity to support a good cause – donations are being accepted daily leading up to the big day on March 7, when the community is encouraged to stop by COBS Bread at 1067 Ontario St. and celebrate.