Jersey Mike’s Subs and its Canadian franchisor, Redberry Restaurants, say they plan to raise $1 million for Make-A-Wish Canada by 2030 as the restaurant chain expands its partnership with the charity supporting children with critical illnesses.
The pledge was announced Monday at the opening celebration for Jersey Mike’s newest downtown Toronto location at 425 University Ave., the company’s second restaurant in the city’s core. The fundraising commitment follows nearly $270,000 raised by Jersey Mike’s locations in Canada since the start of 2024, according to Make-A-Wish Canada.
The commitment adds to a growing corporate partnership between the sandwich chain and the national charity, which says 3,500 children across Canada are currently waiting for wishes to be granted. The funds are expected to support wish-granting efforts across the country over the next five years.
“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.”
The announcement comes as Redberry continues to expand Jersey Mike’s footprint in Canada. The company now operates 26 locations across Alberta, Saskatchewan and Ontario, including multiple restaurants in Toronto, Mississauga and Regina.
Nineteen of those locations have already participated in Make-A-Wish Canada fundraising efforts tied to grand openings, the organization said.
Kiran Benet, chief people officer at Redberry, said the partnership also carries personal significance.
“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.”
Make-A-Wish Canada said the funding will help it expand support for children living with critical illnesses at a time when demand for wishes remains high.
“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.”
The new Toronto restaurant is scheduled to open to the public Wednesday and will launch with a five-day fundraiser benefiting Make-A-Wish Canada.
Under the promotion, customers who receive a fundraising coupon distributed before the opening can make a minimum $3 donation to the charity in exchange for a regular sub sandwich. The company said customers must present a coupon to participate.
Redberry, founded in 2005, operates more than 200 quick-service restaurants in Canada under the Burger King, Taco Bell and Jersey Mike’s brands.
Jersey Mike’s, founded in New Jersey in 1956, has grown to more than 3,300 locations across Canada and the United States.
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