Empire Family of Brands Fundraising Campaign
Every Best is Personal.
Together with Empire Family of Brands, we raised $1.64 million to support more than 40,000 Special Olympics athletes in reaching their personal best in 2025.
From first goals to newfound confidence and lasting friendships, Special Olympics athletes across Canada achieved incredible personal bests—and you helped them get there.
And the fundraising campaign is returning to Empire Family of Brands!
From June 11–21, 2026, supporters said “YES” to making a donation at checkout at participating Empire Family of Brands stores including Sobeys, Safeway, Ontario Foodland, Atlantic Foodland and participating CO-OPs, IGA West, Thrifty Foods, Lawtons Drugs and Needs Convenience stores.
What Your Donation Supports
Our 2025 Youth Athlete Ambassadors
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Kolt Brown I Airdrie, Alberta I Age 11 “Kolt is more confident in who he is.”If you ask Kolt what he loves most about Special Olympics, he’ll tell you it’s the people—the kind coaches, the supportive friends, and the safe, fun space where everyone belongs. -
Mila Boudreau, Shediac | New Brunswick | Age 11 "Mila’s a social butterfly now.”Mila first joined Special Olympics when she was just 3 years old, after her pediatric physiotherapist suggested the Active Start program. It didn’t take long for her parents to see just how empowering the experience could be. -
Bodhi Howdle | Saskatoon, Saskatchewan | Age 5 “Bodhi is way more willing to try new things.”For the Howdle family, Special Olympics feels like home—a community where everyone is accepted and encouraged to be themselves. “We love that those in Special Olympics see the ability,” says his mom, Kristen.
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Aaron Zhang | Richmond, British Columbia | Age 10 “Aaron has grown into a mentor.”For 10-year-old Aaron Zhang, choosing a favourite activity in Special Olympics is impossible—he loves all of them. Whether he’s passing a ball in soccer, learning new skills in FUNdamentals, or playing floor hockey with teammates, Aaron is always up for the challenge. -
Miley Corey | Dartmouth, Nova Scotia | Age 11 “Miley’s inspired us to become coaches.”For her parents, Greg and Alison, Special Olympics has not only been a fun and active outlet for Miley, but a life-changing one. “It’s opened our eyes to the possibilities ahead for our children,” they say. “Through this supportive community, we now believe independent living is possible.” -
Louisa Lai | Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island | Age 12 “Louisa has become more independent.”Louisa joined Special Olympics just last year after her teacher introduced the program to her family, and the impact was immediate. “She is physically better—and she is happier and more confident,” says her mom, Sienna.
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Mure Imasogie | Ottawa, Ontario | Age 15 “Mure embraces new challenges.”Mure’s proudest moment with Special Olympics was when he received a medal at his first-ever bocce tournament in 2023. That sense of achievement was more than just a win—it was a spark of self-belief that continues to grow. -
Jackson Pink | Pasadena, Newfoundland | Age 11 “Jackson now steps out of his comfort zone.”Jackson joined Special Olympics in 2024 and for the first time, he got to be part of a team sport. "Your donation helps make sure kids like Jackson—who might not otherwise get the chance—can be part of something meaningful, healthy, and fun," shares his mom. "These programs are free, run by volunteers, and create real community.” -
Oliver Vaughan | Oakbank, Manitoba | Age 9 "Oliver's future is bright."Oliver has been participating since the age of three, after his family discovered Special Olympics through their occupational therapist. His mom, Amy, says the impact has been remarkable—not just in Oliver’s physical activity, but in his confidence, emotional growth, and social development.
Meet Our Athlete Ambassadors & Empire Family of Brands Teammates
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Ellen MacNearney | Sobeys Store Teammate | Montague, New Brunswick “I learned that sports is about having fun.”Ellen is a proud Sobeys Store Teammate and decorated Special Olympics athlete who recently won three gold medals in cross-country skiing at the World Winter Games Turin 2025. Involved with Special Olympics for over 15 years, Ellen also competed at the 2013 Games in Pyeongchang and was named Special Olympics Canada’s Female Athlete of the Year that same year. -
Ryan Kulikowski | Ontario Foodland Store Teammate | Vineland, Ontario "The program showed me that I am not alone."Ryan is a proud Ontario Foodland Teammate and longtime Special Olympics athlete with over 15 years of involvement in sports like bowling, athletics, floor hockey, and softball. In 2025, Ryan attended the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin as a Correspondent for the Empire Family of Brands, proudly sharing highlights and stories from the Games with teammates across Canada.
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Sean Beddows | Safeway Store Teammate | Surrey British Columbia "I learned to persevere."Sean is a proud Safeway Store Teammate and longtime Special Olympics cross-country skier who has dedicated nearly 20 years to both his job and his sport. Whether on the trails or in the aisles, Sean takes great pride in his work and his athletic achievements. He credits both careers with teaching him resilience, helping him grow stronger, more confident, and more determined with every challenge he takes on. -
Leonka Kaluha | Sobeys Store Teammate | Calgary, Alberta "My self-esteem skyrocketed."Leonka is a proud Sobeys Store Teammate and longtime Special Olympics athlete who has found confidence and a true sense of belonging through both communities. At the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games Calgary 2024, she served as an athlete ambassador and organizing committee member, helping ensure athletes had the support—and the proper nutrition—they needed to succeed. Leonka is passionate about creating more inclusive spaces where every athlete feels seen, supported, and empowered.
Feeding Personal Bests: Health & Nutrition Education
In addition to supporting Special Olympics through funding and food, Empire Family of Brands is deeply committed to helping athletes build healthy habits for life.
Through a shared vision of wellness and inclusion, Empire Family of Brands and Special Olympics Canada have created accessible, athlete-friendly resources that promote nutrition education for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across the country.
New Athlete Nutrition Course
This year, we’re proud to introduce the new interactive Athlete Nutrition Course, available free through SOLearn—Special Olympics Canada’s learning platform.
Athletes of all ages and abilities can explore healthy eating tips at their own pace, with engaging activities and helpful visuals that make learning easy and enjoyable. It’s one more way Empire Family of Brands is helping support personal bests—on and off the field.