‘We have a responsibility;’ Midland Canadian Tire raises $10K in donations

Staff from Canadian Tire Midland holding up a donation cheque. (Canadian Tire Midland / Facebook)

For one small town store, taking care of its community is as important as giving them a place to shop.

The Midland Salvation Army, Elmvale Food Bank and Georgian Bay Food Network each received a donation of more than $3,400, courtesy of Midland Canadian Tire.

“The community of Midland and the surrounding communities are amazing supporters of many of the great programs that support our community and those in need,” said store owner Mike Ferris.

Ferris’s store participated in the Feeding Families Food Drive in April.

During the event, customers helped raise more than $1,600. Ferris said he made a guarantee to double the donations made by customers, up to $10,000.

“If you’re good to the community, the community is good to you,” Ferris said in an interview with CTV News on Thursday.

After customers helped raise the initial $1,600, Ferris doubled it and brought that number up to $3,200.

He then decided to make good on his promise and fulfill the commitment of $10,000, donating more than $8,000 of his own money to make sure each beneficiary got an even payout.

“We have a responsibility as Canadian-owned businesses and locally owned businesses to make sure that our communities are healthy,” said Ferris.

“The customers know that when they support a local business, it makes their community much better,” Ferris said.

“Just be kind,” Ferris said, offering words of encouragement to others to donate when possible.

The cheque was presented to the three beneficiaries on Tuesday.