North Corridor Co-op, here for the community  

By Brandie Majeau 
If you have driven through Thorhild any Friday throughout the summer around
lunchtime, you may notice an abundance of people at the North Corridor Co-op grocery store. 
The large gathering is not because shoppers are clamouring for a sale, the majority are there to
grab a hamburger or hot dog.  They are attending the North Corridor Co-op Fundraiser BBQs. 
The first Fundraiser BBQ was held in May of 2022.  The mission and vision statements of North
Corridor Co-op are “To be the trusted lead in the communities we serve and provide
outstanding co-op experiences.”  Through a team effort, the idea was formed to host
community BBQ fundraisers for local organizations and community groups.  The program grew,
running from May through the beginning of September every Friday. 
Organizations and groups that have applied and been accepted are asked to choose a
Friday that works for them, choosing alternate dates if that Friday has already been booked. 
The job of that organization from there is to simply find volunteers.  North Corridor Co-op does
the rest.  They provide everything needed for the fundraiser BBQ.  The BBQ, the tent, propane,
tables, and chairs…right down to a cash float, debit machine and cleaning materials are all
supplied.  All the food (burgers, hotdogs, pop, buns, etc.) is also provided by the Co-op.  In
addition, a co-op team member is there to continually assist each group throughout the lunch,
providing set up and clean up help in addition to bringing a continual supply of food and
beverages as needed.  The organization volunteers take orders, cook, and serve the patrons. 
The goal of these fundraising BBQs is that the groups provide the labour to put them on, but
nothing else.  There is no cost.  All profits made during the lunch period go directly to them,
operating and provision costs are completely covered by the Co-op.   
In addition to the profits, North Corridor Co-op provides an additional $100 donation to
each organization and treats their team members monthly to lunch, paying full price for
additional proceeds going towards the group.  There is also a community BBQ Trailer that is
outfitted with the same supplies that can be used off-site to provide additional benefits to the
community.  This trailer attends neighborhood events such as Radway Pioneer Days, local grad
weekends and Albera Open Farm programs.  It is also utilized at Thorhild and Boyle schools for
occasions like the annual Terry Fox Run. 
North Corridor BBQ program is an amazing opportunity for local not-for-profits to
benefit.  For a few hours one Friday out of the summer, organizations have the opportunity to
put in a little bit of work and in turn, receive a lump sum of profit directly to them.  Throughout
the summer it has been said that many individuals save their run to town for Fridays simply to
grab a burger and support these groups.  In 2022, the Friday BBQs raised over $20,000 for local
groups, this year looks like it will surpass $30,000.  Any local organization that is interested in
participating is urged to apply soon for the 2024 season, the Fridays fill up fast.  Interested
parties may sign up at https://form.jotform.com/230163838522050 or email
Guy.Berkner@northcorridor.crs.  Not only are these events great for the fundraising groups,
but they are also remarkable for encouraging community involvement and fellowship.