Empire Family of Brands Fundraising Campaign 2025
Every Best is Personal.
From first goals to newfound confidence and lasting friendships, Special Olympics athletes across Canada are achieving incredible personal bests—and you can help them get there.
From June 12–22, say “YES” to making a donation at checkout at participating Empire Family of Brands stores including: Sobeys, Atlantic Foodland and participating CO-OPs, Lawtons Drugs and Needs Convenience stores.
Whether it’s on the field, in the gym, or building life skills through community, health, and leadership programs—your donation feeds more than sport. It feeds growth, belonging, and opportunity.
Donations will be matched* by Empire Family of Brands, up to $500,000, amplifying the support for athletes from coast to coast.
Together with Empire Family of Brands, our goal is to raise and donate more than $1.5 million across Canada to support local Special Olympics athletes in reaching their personal best—because when you support inclusion, everyone wins.
Your donation will fund sport training, health screenings, nutrition education, and leadership opportunities.
Amplify Your Impact
From June 12-22, donations will be matched* by Empire Family of Brands.
*100% of the money raised will be donated to Special Olympics Canada with no administration fees retained by Empire Company Limited. No tax receipts will be issued for the donation made during this time. Empire Company Limited will match donations made in-store to a maximum of $500,000 from June 12- 22, 2025.
Meet Our Athlete Ambassador & Empire Family of Brands Teammate
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Loisa Lai l Charlottetown / Age 12For Louisa Lai, movement is joy—especially when she’s playing soccer or basketball with her teammates. Her favourite part of Special Olympics? “I am challenged and connected.” Whether she’s racing down the field or taking a shot on net, Louisa is all in. -
Ellen MacNearney I Sobeys Store Teammate I MontagueEllen 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.