The BC Cattlemen鈥檚 Association and Canada Beef are excited to be planning for the upcoming third edition of Burger It Forward (BIF), taking place in February 2025.

Drawing on the concept of 鈥減aying it forward,鈥� Burger It Forward is a giveback initiative created by Canada鈥檚 beef farmers and ranchers to support community restaurants and food banks across Canada. The 2024 campaign was a tremendous success, with more than $67,000 raised for food banks across the country and more than 59,000 burgers sold at 199 participating restaurants nationwide.

Last year there were 24 restaurants from BC, largely in the Lower Mainland region. Organizers are eager to grow this number for 2025 and broaden the regions that participate, including Vancouver Island.

Comox Valley beef producer Mary Jane Douglas says, 鈥淎s a local beef producer here in the Comox Valley and a member of the our newly formed Vancouver Island Cattlemen鈥檚 Association, I applaud any opportunity to raise awareness about our local B.C.-raised beef.鈥�

The BC Cattlemen鈥檚 Association has already committed to donate $5,000 to BC food banks for the purchase of beef.

鈥淏eing involved in a program that raises funds for those needing a helping hand makes me proud to be a beef producer,鈥� says Douglas who is a member of the BC Cattlemen鈥檚 Association public affairs and education committee and raises her own home-grown beef that she sells through the local farmer鈥檚 market.

Canada Beef and BC Cattlemen鈥檚 Association are hoping to make this year bigger and better and encourage all restaurants that proudly serve Canadian beef to participate.

Participation is completely free for restaurants as Canada Beef and cattle associations make the food bank donations on behalf of the restaurants. The only requirement is that participating restaurants designate a Burger It Forward burger that uses 100 per cent Canadian beef (it can be one on your menu or you can create one for the campaign).

"We will always support good quality, ethically-raised products grown by local farmers and producers," says Jonathan Frazier, president of the North Vancouver Island Culinary Association. "Burger It Forward is a wonderful opportunity to showcase Canadian-raised beef and a free way for restaurants to showcase their burgers and chefs in the area."

To learn more about the campaign or sign up for a restaurant, head to the Burger It Forward website to learn more and register. Nov. 30 is the deadline to sign up to participate in 2025.

Any questions can be directed to Joyce Parslow at Canada Beef: 416-904-7206.