Shaw’s for a cause, a sweet collaboration

Shaw’s Dairy Bar and St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital Foundation have partnered to raise money towards exceptional healthcare for the community. Shaw’s Dairy Bar is donating $2 for every 1.5-litre tub of ice cream bought at the Sunset Road mainstay...

Shaw’s Dairy Bar and St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital Foundation have partnered to raise money towards exceptional healthcare for the community. Shaw’s Dairy Bar is donating $2 for every 1.5-litre tub of ice cream bought at the Sunset Road mainstay for the month of July. STEGH Foundation thought of Shaw’s for the collaboration because of shared values.

Community spirit and being family-owned were big factors in why they teamed up with Shaw’s, said Megan Van Kemenade, annual giving specialist at STEGH Foundation. “Any organization would be proud to work with Shaw’s,” Ms. Van Kemenade said, calling the business a “local legend.” Shaw’s is owned by the McLaughlin sisters, Kim McCutchen, Kelly Heleniak and Kristine Hayes, who are celebrating their 25-year anniversary of owning the business.

Kelly said they were happy to be thought of as a partner for the foundation. Sensing a good fit for partnership, “What can we do?,” the sisters responded to the appeal, and asked themselves how they could best help. They decided to donate a portion of proceeds from ice cream tub sales during the month of July.

Ms. Heleniak said it is already one of Shaw’s busiest months and it has been even busier since the announcement of the promotion. Ms. Van Kemenade said the collaboration had the potential to expand annually and encouraged people to support the initiative and make a difference. She also wanted to give thank Shaw’s Ice Cream and those taking part in the promotion on behalf of the foundation, for assistance and support.

Shaw’s offers over 20 flavours in the 1.5L tubs, with new flavours Cake Pop, Dirty Soda and Tin Roof Sundae being available for a limited time. STEGH Foundation has raised over $80-million in its 40 years thanks to community support and donations.