A Step Toward Food Security in the Stratford Community

The Erb Group Strengthens Food Security Through Stratford 5K

New Hamburg, ON, October 09, 2024 – Last Sunday, The Erb Group, a leading refrigerated transportation provider of fresh and frozen foods, proudly sponsored the Stratford 5K Run/Walk at Upper Queens Park in Stratford, Ontario. Since the charity run began in 2022, The Erb Group has been recognized as a presenting sponsor and has contributed a total of $16,500 to the event, supporting a local not-for-profit organization, The Local Community Food Centre (Stratford).

The Stratford 5K Run/Walk brought together Stratford businesses, community members, and passionate racers from as far as Ottawa and surrounding areas. This year, the event spanned over two days, introducing a new addition to the race with a Health & Wellness Race Expo. As the race gains more traction each year, participants continue to unite around a shared goal of promoting good health, good food, and giving back!

“As an essential industry, we’re conscious of the needs of the communities we serve and the role we can play through our specialized equipment and mission of bringing food to family’s tables,” said CEO, Wendell Erb from The Erb Group.

“By continuing to sponsor the Stratford 5K, we are able to support important organizations like The Local Community Food Centre, which enhances food security and deepens our connections within the community by providing access to fresh and healthy food.”

In the spirit of giving back, team members from The Erb Group’s head office volunteered at the race, ensuring runners stayed cool and hydrated by distributing water refreshments throughout the event. Additionally, The Erb Group played a vital role in the success of the Stratford 5K Run/Walk through providing in-kind support by delivering and picking up race barriers required for guiding and safeguarding runners on race day.

With the support of community members, the Stratford 5K Run/Walk was a tremendous success. Initially seeking 40 volunteers, the response was overwhelming, with 70 individuals stepping up on the day to help. This dedication contributed to a sold-out event, attracting 450 participants who filled every spot and raised a gross amount of  approximately $40,000.

The proceeds from the Stratford 5K will benefit The Local Community Food Centre’s programs, which focus on cooking, growing, sharing, and advocating for good, healthy food while reinforcing The Erb Group’s mission to ensure that fresh food reaches families in the region.

Together, The Erb Group and The Local are building a stronger and more synergetic community. Learn more about the Stratford 5K here.

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 in 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

blahti@erbgroup.com