FORT McMURRAY — What began as a part-time high school job for Victor Wiley has grown into a decades-long career and a major fundraising effort supporting charities and community groups across Fort McMurray.
Wiley, now a franchise partner operating Fort McMurray’s two Boston Pizza locations, first joined the restaurant chain at age 15, working as a host, expeditor and cook while attending school.
Over time, he moved into management before eventually becoming a co-owner of the city’s two restaurants.
But Wiley says the business has become about more than serving pizza.
His signature community initiative, Chew for Charity, has raised more than $250,000 for local non-profit organizations since launching in 2014. Last year alone, the campaign brought in more than $45,000.
The fundraiser partners with roughly 10 to 12 local charities and community groups annually, culminating in a public event featuring trivia contests, games and a speed-eating competition aimed at raising additional money.
Wiley’s restaurants also support local youth sports teams, provide pizzas for school lunches and events, and participate in national charitable campaigns organized through Boston Pizza.
In recent years, the business has also added a charity golf tournament to expand fundraising efforts.
Wiley describes Fort McMurray as a “tight knit, committed, and friendly city” and says the community spirit became especially evident during the aftermath of the 2016 wildfire evacuation.
He says Boston Pizza franchises across Canada and the company’s corporate organization helped contribute funds during that year’s Chew for Charity campaign, allowing organizers to distribute about $85,000 to local causes during a difficult period for the region.
The Canadian Franchise Association says Wiley’s story reflects the broader role small businesses and franchise operators play in communities across the country.
According to data cited by the association from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, 97 per cent of small retailers contribute to their communities in some way, while 74 per cent donate to local charities and causes.
The association says franchise operators are often positioned to support charitable initiatives through both local relationships and national business networks.
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