Supporting local initiatives like charities, food banks, and other community projects is more than just goodwill – it’s smart business. When small businesses invest in their communities, they build stronger local economies, earn customer trust, and enhance their reputation as responsible, caring neighbours. Giving back helps create thriving local economies, boosts employee morale, and can even attract new customers.
Those facts certainly align with the reasons the local Weed Man and its affiliate, MOWR, have made giving back a core value of their business.
“The nature of our business gives us a unique opportunity to leverage our large customer base to make a real impact in the communities we serve,” said Mia Gammon, Controller with the Weed Man network of companies in Sudbury, North Bay, Sault Ste Marie, Thunder Bay, Sarnia/Chatham and Regina,SK. “Our team is passionate about giving back where we live and work, and we’d love to share that story with the community.”
According to Gammon, Weed Man launched its Employee Performance and Charity Donation Program in April 2025 and continued through until October 15, 2025 as a way to both recognize its team’s hard work and to make a meaningful impact in the local community. The goal from the start was simple: reward dedication and generosity while celebrating staff members who went above and beyond. The company also enlisted the support of the community to help the local Food Banks.
What emerged were two great charitable initiatives:
1. Employee Performance and Charity Donation Program
Weed Man and MOWR introduced a performance-based bonus system that recognized employees for their outstanding contributions. In addition to rewarding team members for exceptional service, the companies made corresponding donations to local charities chosen by each regional team.
In Sudbury, employees selected the MS Society of Canada – Sudbury Manitoulin Chapter, a cause close to their hearts — one of Weed Man’s seasonal team members is affected by MS, and his father also helps in their shop part time.
2. Grassroots Giving Campaign
This initiative, run through Weed Man only, partnered with the local Food Banks for each market we serve. Customers were invited to participate by leaving donations for our technicians to collect during their regular lawn service visits.
In Sudbury, Weed Man partnered with the Sudbury Food Bank.
According to Gammon, the two campaigns were reflective of the corporate values of both Weed Man and MOWR. “Supporting local is at the heart of everything we do,” said Gammon. “Our customers, staff, and partners all live and work here—it only makes sense that we give back in these communities too. These programs allow us to make a direct, positive impact where it matters most: within our own community. It’s not just about business success; it’s about being a good neighbor and using our platform to help others thrive. A culture of giving creates purpose. It reminds everyone—whether they’re in the field, the office, or leading a crew—that we’re part of something bigger than ourselves. When we give back together, we build stronger bonds as a team and make a real difference in our community. It reinforces the idea that business can and should be a force for good.”
While the Grassroots Giving Campaign is still ongoing in two of our markets; Sarnia and Regina, SK, the totals so far are quite impressive:
Grassroots Giving Food Drive
- Weed Man Sudbury — 723 lbs collected
- Weed Man Sarnia — 733 lbs collected
- Weed Man Regina — 473 lbs collected
- Weed Man North Bay — 245 lbs collected
- Weed Man Sault Ste. Marie — 229 lbs collected
- Weed Man Thunder Bay — 170 lbs collected
Grand Total Across the North: 2,573 lbs collected!
Performance Bonus & Charity Contributions
Together, the participating teams celebrated impressive results:
- Mowr Sudbury – $6,400 in bonuses | $3,200 to charity
- Weed Man Sudbury – $9,950 in bonuses | $4,975 to charity
- Sudbury Total : $16,350 in bonuses and $8,175 will be donated to the MS Society of Canada – Sudbury Manitoulin Chapter
- Weed Man North Bay – $3,150 in bonuses | $1,575 to CMHA North Bay and District
- Weed Man Sault Ste. Marie – $3,150 in bonuses | $1,575 to CMHA Algoma Branch
- Weed Man Thunder Bay – $2,400 in bonuses | $1,200 to Regional Health Sciences Foundation
- Weed Man Sarnia – $900 in bonuses | $450 to CMHA Lambton Kent Branch
- Weed Man Regina – $5,650 in bonuses | $2,825 to Souls Harbour Rescue Mission
- Mowr Regina – $600 in bonuses | $300 to Souls Harbour Rescue Mission
- Regina Total: $6,250 in bonuses and $3,125 to Souls Harbour Rescue Mission
That means, as a group, the companies have:
- Paid out $32,200 in employee bonuses
- Will be donating $16,100 to local charities chosen by our teams across each market
For all the local goodwill these initiatives generated, Gammon said the real impact was on staff who see the value of giving back to their local community. “They love it,” she said.
“The team takes real pride in being acknowledged for their dedication and positive feedback from customers. It’s rewarding for them to see that their efforts are noticed and appreciated, and knowing their success directly supports the community charity of their choice makes it even more meaningful.”
This article was sponsored by Weed Man, a 2025 Sudbury·com Reader Favourite.