The River 50/50 - a new wave of hope in Leeds & Grenville

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Leeds & Grenville, ON – December 11, 2025 United Way Leeds & Grenville announces the Ultimate Burger Battle campaign raised over $5,000 with more than 2,000 burgers sold at participating establishments during the November 1–30, 2025 Thank you to our event sponsors: Henderson Digital Marketing & Printing, Hometown TV12, Giant FM 103.7 and MyFM 104.9 for bringing Leeds and Grenville a burger month with purpose, blending flavour with philanthropy and competition. We are grateful to our community partners who elevated this event and made it possible with more than $7,000 provided through gift in kind support. The 2025 campaign saw 13 eateries participate, each devising a unique burger creation to sell throughout the month. At the end of it all, United Way Leeds & Grenville delivered special awards to the top performing restaurants and thanked everyone for their participation by celebrating their efforts with a big cheque. The most coveted award is ULTIMATE BURGER of the YEAR. After tallying the scores, Stoodley's Kitchen and Beverage (9 Water St, Elgin) came out on top, making their Smoke Show the Ultimate Burger of 2025. It featured: two 3oz fresh chuck smash patties seared to perfection and stacked with crispy bacon, melted cheddar, crispy fried onions, shredded lettuce, pickles, and a sweet smoky BBQ sauce — all on a toasted brioche bun. Big crunch, bigger flavor. Over the course of the month, 7 ambassadors were asked to sample the burger menu at each restaurant and rank them on presentation, taste, originality and overall execution. Cedar Valley Golf & Country Club (7041 County Rd 29, Elizabethtown), was runner up with their True North Burger and 1000 Islands Brewery (65 King Street West, Brockville) took 3 rd with their Better Mac Burger. The title of Most Ultimate Burgers Sold will be awarded to Karra’s Burgers & Fries (329 Stewart Blvd, Brockville), who sold a total of 431 Pump Up the Jam burgers. Finally, throughout the month, fans were able to vote for their favourite burger, with the top three receiving the People’s Choice award. People’s Choice Ultimate Burger will be awarded to: • 1st Place: Karra’s Burger & Fries (329 Stewart Blvd, Brockville) • 2nd Place: Stoodley's Kitchen and Beverage (9 Water St, Elgin) • 3rd Place: Sam’s Grill (50 King St E, Brockville) On December 12, local leaders from Rideau Lakes joined us at Stoodley’s Kitchen and Beverage to celebrate their impressive accomplishment in this years Ultimate Burger Battle. Mayor Hoogenboom recognized the restaurants strong contribution to local economic development, while United Way highlighted how their participation demonstrates the strength of rural communities and what is possible when an establishment fully embraces this event. Located in the heart of Rideau Lakes a municipality of nearly 11,000 residents Stoodley’s delivered outstanding results. Not only did they earn the highest scoring burger at 92% but they also achieved the second highest number of burgers sold and the second highest number of People’s Choice votes. Funds raised through the Ultimate Burger Battle support local food initiatives that provide nutritious food to individuals families and seniors in need throughout our community. To learn more please visit https://www.uwlg.org/ . About United Way Leeds & Grenville United Way Leeds & Grenville is dedicated to improving lives and building a stronger community. We focus on critical issues such as food security, homelessness, housing, mental health, addictions, and supports for children and youth. Through collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to community, we strive to create vibrant, caring communities where everyone can thrive. – 30 – Media Contact: Melissa Hindman, Director of Resource Development for United Way Leeds & Grenville Phone: 613-342-8889 ext.26 Email: melissa.hindman@uwlg.org

Recommendations to the Government of Ontario for the 2025-2030 Poverty Reduction Strategy Renewal