Organizers of YYC Hot Chocolate Fest say the annual event is still going ahead come February.
During the month-long charitable competition, local cafés and restaurants sell specialized hot chocolates, with $1 from each — or $2 from boozy hot chocolates — going to Calgary Meals on Wheels.
Speaking to Global News, Meals on Wheels spokesperson Robyn Weatherly said COVID-19 has created challenges for the charity, which had to work with Alberta Health Services to make sure they could continue operating safely.
“With many Calgarians unable to leave their home, we saw a 30 per cent increase in need, requiring us not only to continue operation but to ramp up production to meet the growing need,” Weatherly said. “Despite these challenges, we are proud to say that we were able to maintain our record of never missing a scheduled day of delivery.”
Over the past decade, YYC Hot Chocolate Fest has become one of the largest and most integral fundraisers for Meals on Wheels, raising more than $164,000 since 2011.
“Not only that, but we have built some incredible relationships within the community over the past 10 years,” Weatherly said. “Being able to continue the event this year despite the pandemic was important to us as it gives us a chance to support each other during such challenging times.”
More than 70 vendors are participating in Hot Chocolate Fest 2021.
“We are blown away by the response we have seen this year,” Weatherly said. “We hope that by taking part in the event this year, (cafés and restaurants) will also see an increase in much-needed support from Calgarians.
“For those who are familiar with the event, they will notice many newcomers this year, including The Coup, Our Daily Brett Market and Café, and Monogram Coffee — just to name a few.”
Customers can find participating vendors and rate their favourite hot chocolates online via YYCHotChocolate.com or by using the new-and-improved YYC Hot Chocolate app.
At the end of February, awards will be handed out for YYC’s Best Hot Chocolate, Best Spirited Hot Chocolate and the special Cup That Runneth Over award.