More than just a highway stop, ONroute has been catering to travellers across Ontario with their 23 locations province-wide. Housing franchises including Starbucks, Tim Hortons, Subway, and Freshii Grab and Go, ONroute goes above and beyond providing services that enhance the customer’s overall experience, no matter where their journey takes them. Over eighteen months since the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, all ONroute locations will continue to support of Canadian Veterans beyond Remembrance Day.
This past November 11th, travelling veterans received a small coffee for free when they ordered from Tim Horton’s or Starbucks. ONroute also partnered with Support Our Troops, the official charity for the Canadian Armed forces, and are collecting donations for the second year in a row. This year, the campaign will be active until December 31st, allowing the company to potentially double the funds they raise.
Melanie Teed-Murch is marking her second year as CEO of ONroute and is passionate about the generosity that is being encouraged throughout her community. Remembering those who served our country is also a cause that is very important to Melanie and the ONroute team. “It is a small token to show our gratitude for the service of men and women across Ontario”, she explains.
“So, its a free coffee extended to them today just as our gesture of deep thanks for our freedoms we enjoy as Canadians and Ontarians”. Each veteran has a unique story that influences where they are travelling to. Melanie and the teams at ONroute have served people all across Ontario. Since Remembrance Day ceremonies took place online last year, a great turnout is expected. “This year, we anticipate seeing people travelling to and from Ottawa as well as Toronto. So, generally across 401 and through the corridor”.
Keeping the legacy of the Canadian Armed Forces alive has become increasingly important with each new generation. Without their contributions, Canadians would not have the freedom or opportunities of this way of life. Melanie is ecstatic to be partnering with Support Our Troops, ensuring Canadian veterans and their families get the help they need. Melanie expresses her fondness of the organization.
“It is a wonderful charity that allows team members to wear yellow ribbons between Nov 1st and Dec 31st, and are asking our customers to donate $1 with each transaction. Those donations then support their Holiday Food Hamper program”. In November 2020, ONroute raised $49,000 thanks to the generosity of their customers, which supported 285 military families during the holidays. From now until December 31st, team members will be wearing yellow ribbons to further cultivate the generous spirit that is alive amongst their customer base. Melanie and the ONroute team set a goal to raise $100,000 throughout the two-month campaign, which will allow them to double the amount of families they can support.
With the help of their customers, ONroute is reminding everyone to continue spreading kindness throughout their travels. “Having come through this pandemic together as a community and as a country, I think this has allowed us to connect through the spirit of giving”. Melanie explains. “Through a loonie at the till, people can make a difference in the lives of many. Our customers are extending kindness, and are very supportive of the fact that we support our military”.
Over the last two years, ONroute has made major changes to their business model. In spring 2019, the company created a new leadership team based in Ontario, no longer having management in the US. They have also modernized the brand by adding amenities that expanded food offerings and improved the speed of service. Many of these changes took place in the midst of the pandemic, making the shift even more challenging.
However, ONroute is exclusive to the province of Ontario, which sets it apart from other highway stops. Their commitment to excellence in customer service is consistent throughout their 23 locations. Melanie admits, “you can travel from one side of our beautiful province to the other, and plan your trip with multiple offerings of ONroute. While the locations are not all identical, what you can count on is the same experience. The same execution and the same customer-oriented treatment”.
For more information to plan your next road trip, visit https://www.onroute.ca/
Author: Vanessa Butera, Content Writer, The Onside Media, Toronto, Canada. If you have stories to share kindly email: – vanessa.butera@theonside.com
