Cornerstone Co-op Hosts Successful Fuel Good Day, Supporting Local School Nutrition Programs

Elden from Cornerstone Co-op Gas Bar pumping gas on September 17 for Fuel Good Day. Photo Lorna Hamilton

Fuel Good Day returned in full force on September 17, bringing together the Vermilion community and beyond in support of local school nutrition programs. Cornerstone Co-op, as part of the larger Co-op initiative spanning Western Canada, pledged to donate at least five cents per litre of fuel sold at its Gas Bar, with all proceeds benefiting the newly rebranded Feeding the Future program.

In a fun twist, Vermilion’s Gas Bar went the extra mile, offering $1 Fuel Good Day cookies and hosted Cooper the Bear, just in time to greet a wave of excited kids stopping by for their after-school slushies.

The Feeding the Future program, formerly known as Bags for Breakfast, continues Cornerstone Co-op’s longstanding commitment to supporting local school nutrition efforts. Cornerstone Co-op is proud to introduce new ways to keep this mission alive, including through reusable bag sales, Fuel Good Day proceeds, and direct donations.

The impact of Cornerstone Co-op’s community-focused efforts has been profound. Over the last five years, the Co-op has donated more than $150,000 to local schools’ breakfast programs, with nearly $35,000 allocated to 16 schools in 2023 alone. As part of Fuel Good Day, the funds raised will continue to support these vital programs, ensuring that students in the area start their day with a nutritious meal.

Western Canada saw Co-op members and customers across the region raise over $645,000 in 2023 alone for 168 local organizations and causes. Since its inception in 2017, more than $4.31 million has been raised through Fuel Good Day for over 870 local organizations. These contributions have fueled support for schools, food banks, hospitals, and other critical community services.

As the sun set on another successful Fuel Good Day, the Vermilion community once again demonstrated its dedication to making a difference. The funds raised on September 17 will go towards sustaining the Feeding the Future initiative, ensuring that local students receive the nourishment they need to thrive.

“The day was a great success commented Arleigh Reid, manager of the Vermilion Gas Bar. We would like to thank all who came out and gassed up on this day, it is them who makes this day such a success each year.”