Burger Wars a delicious way to help a good cause in Sudbury

The Burger Wars campaign launched in Sudbury on Thursday.

The fifth annual event sees restaurants present their best burger creation in a competition that raises funds for a local charity.

In all, 32 restaurants are participating this year, donating $2 from each burger to L'Arche Sudbury, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping individuals with developmental disabilities.

"(Burger Wars) was instituted by Mitch Spiegel," said Jennifer Cawley Caruso, L'Arche Sudbury board member.

"Mitch has passed, but we want to carry on his tradition. Very often the proceeds went to NEO Kids, which is a wonderful charity, but this year we're fortunate at L'Arche Sudbury that the proceeds of Burger Wars will come to us."

Spiegel passed away a year ago.

"He was the owner of Acme Construction for many years, and then a businessman with many interests in the city," said Cawley Caruso.

"He was also headed up his synagogue in Sudbury. He was active in many parts, many parts of our city."

Proceeds from the initiative will support L'Arche's capital campaign to build a fourth facility on Bancroft Drive, a project estimated at $24 million.

In all, 32 restaurants are participating this year, donating $2 from each burger to L'Arche Sudbury, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping individuals with developmental disabilities. (Photo from video)

“We are going to provide apartment living for people who are able to live more independently and a gathering space where people can come together and pursue their interests,” Cawley Caruso said.

“Where we can welcome the community to our social enterprises, things like a cafe and probably a craft studio where many people can participate in crafts.”

Gerry Lougheed, the campaign's co-chair, said participating restaurants will feature a variety of burgers to meet diversified food preferences or dietary restrictions.

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"Whatever your diet restrictions are, whatever your wonderful passion for hamburgers are, you're going to find it in our Burger Wars," he said.

The campaign begins in August and participants are encouraged to vote online.