All through November, restaurants across Cambridge and Waterloo region are serving up the beef to help raise money for the United Way.
For the first time, the United Way Waterloo Region Communities (WRC) is joining the "Novemburger" campaign that will help support local programs fighting food insecurity.
"The campaign kind of started spreading around the province and we thought it's a perfect fit for Waterloo region, because we have such incredible and creative local restaurateurs around here that would love to get on board," said Scott Hamilton, senior director of philanthropy at United Way WRC.
At least 15 restaurants around the region and seven here in Cambridge have created a special burger to sell during the event. For each burger sold $2 will be donated to the United Way and directed to food programs.
Hamilton who is also a Cambridge city councillor, knows how much community programs such as the Cambridge Food Bank and Nutrition for Learning would be able to benefit from this initiative.
"Novemburger brings together the power of food and the power of giving back – it’s all about supporting local," said United Way on its website.
"This event supports United Way WRC by providing funds to vital programs that address food insecurity in our community. Together, with our partners, we are working towards building a community united against poverty."
Hamilton adds that while $2 might not seem like a lot, every dollar counts.
"This ticks so many boxes for supporting local and Cambridge. It supports our local restaurants and our local chefs being creative, it supports our local charities," he said. "It also supports awareness, not only about how to resolve our social crises such as food insecurity, poverty and homelessness, but also helps stimulate our local economies."
With seven local eateries in Cambridge launching new burgers for the event, customers can try something new and only for a limited time.
Four Fathers Brewing is introducing The "Bunker Buster," a fresh chuck patty topped with thick cut peppered bacon, crispy onion straws, American cheddar and their house-made Shevchenko BBQ sauce on a bed of fresh lettuce, tomato, and onion with a fluffy brioche bun.
Gator's Tail on Franklin Boulevard has one of the more interesting burgers; the Gator Burger. It's a ground chuck burger topped with chicken-fried alligator, jalapeno jack cheese, jalapenos and spicy aioli.
While all of the restaurants have the same goal, there is a bit of friendly competition between them as customers will vote for the best Novemburger. There will also be prizes for the best-selling burger and the people's choice burger.
Customers are asked to print out the burger "passport" and get them signed at each restaurant. Every person who eats four burgers and fills out their passport will be entered to become a burger ambassador for next year and will get free burgers at all of the participating restaurants.
To find the full list of participating locations and their burgers, visit the United Way WRC website for more information.
