Shiver me timbers! White Spot's seventh annual Pirate Pak Day raises record $78,786 for charity

Popular fundraiser has generated $347,172 for kids with disabilities since 2008

VANCOUVER, Aug. 14, 2014 /CNW/ - Ahoy! This year's Pirate Pak Day – the only day when adults can purchase the iconic boat – has raised $78,786 of 'bounty' for charity. Both the young and young-at-heart from across British Columbia and Alberta 'sailed in' to their local White Spot restaurant yesterday for the annual fundraiser, helping send over 50 kids and young adults with life-threatening illnesses and chronic disabilities to Zajac Ranch for Children in Mission, B.C.

Since the 'seaworthy' initiative began seven years ago, White Spot has raised a total of $347,172 and provided hundreds of young mateys with a special summer camp experience. Each Pirate Pak Day, Canada's longest running restaurant chain donates $2.00 from the sale of each Pirate Pak to Zajac Ranch. This year, 39,350 Pirate Paks were sold on a single day, and cash donations were also received.

Every year, White Spot staff – plus the most enthusiastic guests – dress up as swashbuckling pirates, all in the name of charity and good-hearted fun. Photos are available on the White Spot Facebook page.

"It's heartwarming to see Pirate Pak Day gaining momentum year after year," says White Spot president Warren Erhart. "Our annual fundraiser keeps growing in popularity, thanks to thousands of caring 'buccaneers' that take this once-a-year opportunity to have some fun and re-live their childhood – all for a great cause. Pirate Pak Day is White Spot's way of supporting kids who need it most, and we look forward to continuing the tradition in years to come."

White Spot guests tweeted their excitement about #PiratePakDay:

• And I know what I'll be eating tomorrow. For lunch and dinner. Ohh yah. #PiratePakDay #imabigkid @White_Spot
• Today is #PiratePakDay at @White_Spot $2 from each Pirate Pak sold goes to @ZajacRanch for Children! Will you help support a great cause?
• Second only to Christmas, it's #PiratePakDay !!! All of us grown ups should be flocking to @White_Spot today to help @ZajacRanch help kids!
• #PiratePak art @White_Spot. PP4EEM = Pirate Pak 4 Everybody Equality Movement. I wish #PiratePakDay was everyday!!!

"This year, White Spot has strengthened its long-standing commitment to helping children and young adults who need it most," said Mel Zajac, founder of the Zajac Ranch for Children. "On behalf of our entire team at the ranch, I'd like to send a big, heart-felt thank-you to all the folks who stopped in at White Spot to enjoy this year's Pirate Pak Day!"

From August 18 to 22, 'White Spot Week' at Zajac Ranch allows kids with disabilities to try outdoor activities ranging from kayaking to horseback riding in a fun, supportive environment.

About White Spot

Headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia, White Spot is Canada's longest-running restaurant chain, celebrating their 86^th year. Founded in 1928, when Nat Bailey launched Canada's first drive-in restaurant at Granville and 67th, the 86-year-young chain now sees more than 17 million guests annually at 128 White Spot and Triple O's locations throughout B.C., Alberta and Asia. Bailey's original vision was to build a restaurant that served the highest quality, unique tasting food and White Spot remains committed to continuing this tradition in each and every meal. White Spot Limited is proud to be recognized as one of Canada's 50 Best Managed Companies for the past three consecutive years.

SOURCE: White Spot

Jeremy Twigg, FleishmanHillard, 604-688-2505, [email protected]