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Stratford, ON, October 22, 2025 – The Erb Group, a leading refrigerated transportation provider of fresh and frozen foods, proudly continued its support as presenting sponsor of the Stratford 5K Run/Walk at Upper Queen’s Park in Stratford, Ontario, on October 5, 2025.
Since the event’s inception in 2022, The Erb Group has contributed more than $23,000 to the Stratford 5K, helping fund vital community food programs offered through The Local Community Food Centre (Stratford).
The annual run/walk has become a highlight for The Erb Group, The Local Community Food Centre, Stratford residents, local businesses, and runners from across southwestern Ontario. According to The Local, Stratford food banks saw a 25% increase in first-time users in 2024, a sign of the growing challenge of food insecurity in the region and a reminder of the importance of community support.
This year’s event once again brought passionate people together around a shared purpose: promoting wellness, unity, and community spirit while supporting access to good, healthy food. The Erb Group is proud to contribute to these efforts through its essential role in food transportation, as well as by supporting local initiatives like the Stratford 5K.
“Partnering with The Local to address food insecurity in the region is one of the most rewarding aspects of our work,” added Briona Lahti, Public Relations Specialist at The Erb Group. “We’re proud to see how this event continues to grow and inspire others to get involved year after year.”
In addition to sponsorship, volunteers from The Erb Group’s head office took part in the event, keeping runners refreshed at the water stations and participating in the race.
With an outstanding turnout of over 550 5K runners, 100 Kids and 50 volunteers, this year’s Stratford 5K Run/Walk raised over $36K, all in support of The Local Community Food Centre. The funds will directly benefit programs that focus on cooking, growing, sharing, and advocating for healthy food access across the region.
About The Erb Group
Founded in 1959, The Erb Group is one of North America’s largest privately-owned refrigerated transportation providers. The Erb Group specializes on the timely, protected distribution of temperature-controlled perishable goods across Canada and the U.S. The Erb Group is a family-owned business, hosting over 1,500 employees, 1000 trailers and 650 power units. Its head office is based in New Hamburg, Ontario, with additional Canadian terminals in Baden, Toronto, Thunder Bay, North Bay, Ottawa, Montreal, Trenton, Winnipeg and a U.S. terminal in Elverson, PA. Find The Erb Group on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.
Media Contact
Briona Lahti
Public Relations Specialist
