The Rotary Club of Windsor-Roseland is launching a brand new fundraiser.
The fundraiser called 'Burger Battle 2023' is a first for the club and the community where 10 locally owned restaurants are competing for the title of "Best Burger in Windsor-Essex".
The Rotary Club, which is home of the popular Lobsterfest and the Wines of the World, has been working on this newest event for the last two years, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.
A portion of the proceeds from this fundraiser will be used to support the Residence for Young Men and the Welcome Centre for Women and Families, as well as going towards the Rotary Club of Windsor-Roseland.
Those in the community can purchase a 'passport' for $20, which entitles them to enjoy a "two-for-one" burger meal and then vote for their favourite burger.
Ann Hetherington, Chair of the 'Burger Battle 2023' for the Rotary Club of Windsor-Roseland, says the battle was designed for two things: to help local restaurants and to launch another fundraiser through the club.
"One, to support local restaurants in our community because it's been a tough time, obviously, for the hospitality industry post-pandemic. But, as importantly, it's also a fundraiser for the Rotary Club of Windsor-Roseland. Charities have also had some difficult times in the last couple of years, so, the timing has been perfect to launch this particular fundraiser."
She says the 'passport' helps those in the community try the local burgers.
"So the community can purchase a 'passport' coupon book for $20. And that gives them the opportunity to go into one of 10 restaurants in Windsor-Essex and with the presentation of that 'passport', they'll get a two-for-one burger meal."
She says the club is aware that locally people in the community are struggling.
"It was a good balance between young women and families and young men. So, we know that people are struggling today making ends meet, and this money will help both organizations with the homeless, as well as families that need support."
Hetherington adds that the club is thrilled to launch this new event.
"We're really thrilled that we can find another fundraiser to help our Rotary Club and the work that it does throughout the community and around the world because it has been a challenge for non-profit organizations to launch events to raise money."
The Rotary Club of Windsor-Roseland has accomplished work throughout the community for over 42 years.
Those looking to purchase a 'passport' can do so by emailing Hetherington at burgerbattleWRR@gmail.com, or buy visiting one of the 10 restaurants participating in the battle.
The ten participating restaurants include: