French fries, rich gravy and tangy cheese curds BԪַ can a Canadian treat get any better?
It can when local chefs get creative with the delicious base BԪַ and when the results help provide healthy meals for children in need.
MealshareBԪַs annual food fundraiser festival, Poutine With Purpose, continues through May 1 in : Victoria, Vancouver and Calgary.
Joining the trio this year, and sharing the Mealshare message in Central Canada, is Hamilton, Ont.
Why Poutine With Purpose? For every poutine sold at the participating restaurants during the annual event, a simple, healthy meal is provided to a local youth in need through Mealshare charity partners.
Chefs are challenged to dream up and dish up a feature poutine for the week BԪַ from the traditional, to the creative, to the unusual BԪַ itBԪַs poutine with purpose.
For Calgary diners, choose from more than 40 options, ranging from a Short Rib Vindaloo Poutine from Bitter Sisters Brewery to Vegan StreetsBԪַ Vegan Carne Asada Portobello Poutine BԪַ crisp Kennebec potato fries, shredded vegan cheddar, savoury poutine gravy, asada-marinated portobello mushroom BԪַsteak,BԪַ grilled red cabbage, pico de gallo and chunky guacamole.
Greater Vancouver brings another nine selections, ranging from Patina BrewingBԪַs famous Pulled Pork Poutine (pork smoked in-house for 10 hours, topped with smoked in-house garlic mayo and pickled veg), to the Wok Box in Surrey, Abbostford and New Westminister, where the Tokyo Beef Poutine boasts sweet teriyaki beef served over golden fries and drizzled with lime aioli.
In Victoria, the delicious possibilities include everything from Deadbeetz BurgersBԪַ Classic Poutine BԪַ fries, gravy and cheese curds topped with peas BԪַ to Confit Duck Poutine from the Q Veranda at the Empress: rosemary-parm fries, squeaky cheese curds and duck gravy.
Since 2013, events in Victoria, Vancouver and Calgary have sold more than 35,000 poutines in support of Mealshare. ThatBԪַs 35,000 healthy meals for youth in need!
How does Poutine With Purpose work?
No tickets are necessary, just an appetite for delicious goodness.
- Explore the participating restaurants in your city at
- Select the poutine youBԪַd like to try
- Dig in and enjoy, knowing youBԪַve helped a local youth in need
Visit to learn more and take some home to enjoy!
Plan your future adventures throughout the West Coast at and follow us on and @thewestcoasttraveller. And for the top West Coast Travel stories of the week delivered right to your inbox, sign up for our weekly !