2026 Impact Awards winners: Supporting Employees
Now in its sixth year, the Canadian Grocer Impact Awards celebrates Canadian grocery retail and CPG businesses that are going above and beyond to make the world a better place
This year, a number of companies are recognized for making a positive impact in the areas of Community, Supporting Employees and Sustainability. Additionally, ten leaders have been named Impact Champions for their exceptional impact across multiple areas.
See the full list of winners here.
Read on to learn more about the 2026 Impact Awards winner in the category of Supporting Employees.
GAY LEA FOODS
As a farmer-owned co-operative, Gay Lea Foods has long believed in looking after its people. In March 2026, the company strengthened that commitment with the launch of the Gerry Schafer Emergency Hardship Fund, a confidential program that provides one-time, non-repayable financial assistance to employees facing unexpected crises such as medical emergencies, natural disasters, bereavement or domestic violence. “We recognized that employees can face unexpected challenges that create real financial stress, and we wanted a fair, confidential way to help when those situations arise,” says Kelly McNamara, lead, community investment and Gay Lea Foundation. Available to more than 1,200 employees across 15 sites in Canada, the fund provides grants of up to $5,000 for essential expenses, including housing, food, transportation and recovery-related costs. To ensure privacy and fairness, applications are administered independently by Emergency Assistance Foundation Canada, allowing employees to seek help without fear of stigma. The fund is named in honour of long-time employee Gerry Schafer, whose 45 years with Gay Lea Foods were “defined by his care for others and his belief that people should never have to face difficult times alone,” says McNamara. “Supporting our employees through both good times and challenging times, at work and beyond, reflects our values and reinforces the culture of care that has been part of Gay Lea Foods for generations.”
MONDELĒZ CANADA
At Mondelēz Canada, success starts with supporting employees. Over the past two years, the company has introduced a wide range of initiatives designed to give employees greater flexibility, stronger well-being support and more opportunities to learn and grow—all shaped by employee feedback. “We believe our people are our greatest competitive advantage,” says Yossef ElBromboly, people lead, Mondelēz Canada. “Building a winning culture is essential to delivering business growth, attracting and retaining top talent, driving innovation and creating an environment where employees can do their best work every day.” Recent initiatives include a formal hybrid work model, year-round Flexible Fridays, “meeting blackout” hours, workfrom-anywhere opportunities, expanded family-building benefits and workplace enhancements through the company’s “Sweeten Your Space” office refresh initiative. Employees also have greater access to leadership through coffee chats and town halls, while new development opportunities encourage cross-functional learning and career growth. “Rather than introducing isolated programs, we took a holistic approach—building an integrated employee experience that supports employees both professionally and personally while reinforcing our purpose, values and business strategy,” says ElBromboly. These initiatives were all implemented with strong input from employees, which is precisely what has made them so successful, he adds: “They were built with employees, not just for employees.”
YOPLAIT LIBERTÉ CANADA
After its acquisition by Sodiaal Cooperative in January 2025, Yoplait Liberté Canada had to quickly build a standalone company capable of operating at full strength during a major transformation. Doing so required employee buy-in. To build trust, the company conducted several initiatives ranging from town halls to employee meetings. It invested in moments that brought people together, including a national “Day of Change” uniting plant and corporate employees for the first time. Employees played a role in shaping their workplaces, including in the design of a new Toronto office, and Yoplait improved the Saint-Hyacinthe, Que. plant experience. They also regularly participated in product tastings, consumer focus groups and innovation sessions. Yoplait’s workforce grew by 20% in one year while the voluntary turnover rate of 8.6% was well below typical levels during major transformations. By prioritizing employee support, Yoplait Liberté Canada ensured uninterrupted manufacturing, service and supply continuity. Yoplait plans to continue to build on the foundation it has developed by strengthening leadership development, investing in high-quality workplaces and using employee feedback to drive improvement. “Transformation succeeds when people come first,” says Martin Vermette, vice-president, human resources and communication at Yoplait Liberté Canada. “By creating a culture rooted in trust, collaboration and empowerment, our employees transformed uncertainty into opportunity.”
Winners of the 2026 Impact Awards are featured in Canadian Grocer’s August issue.
