C urious ?

Create
Contribute
Donate to Calgary Meals on Wheels by designating a
portion of the selling price of the signature drink.
Every contribution will make an immediate impact
in the lives of our clients!
A prize for “Most Funds Raised” will also be
awarded!
Engage your customers in store and through social
media and watch your ratings soar!
We’ll invite our supporters and volunteers to visit and
sample your signature drink and you’ll be featured on
our webpage, Facebook and Twitter feeds.
There is great potential for increased customer traffic
and exposure as media coverage is high!
2013 coverage included: CTV, Metro News, Corus
Radio, Calgary Sun, Calgary Herald, Avenue
Magazine, The Weather Network and more...
100+ on Twitter & Facebook
Curious?
Enter one or more signature drinks...let your
creativity run wild! Consider partnering with a local
“celebrity” to create and name a concoction made
especially with them in mind!
Connect
Customers rate the drinks online and can also win
prizes throughout the month.
Consider
Compete
Nurture your competitive spirit and vie to win the
highly coveted “Calgary’s Best Hot Chocolate” and
“Calgary’s Best Spirited Hot Chocolate”.
Visit our website at YYCHotChocolate.com and follow
us on Facebook and Twitter.
More detail available from our FAQs!
REGISTER NOW FOR FEBRUARY 2014
Contact us:
[email protected]
403-243-2834 ext. 1004
FAQ for Vendors
What are all dates I need to know for 2014 YYC Hot Chocolate Fest?



The contest runs the entire month of February, with the launch on February 1, and the
awards presentation on February 28. Signature drinks should be available to customers
each day that you are open for business.
Registration deadline is January 15 to allow time for processing and full promotion. Late
entries will be accepted with the understanding that there may be delays in processing.
Contributions from the sale of your signature drinks are to be received by Calgary Meals on
Wheels no later than March 31, 2014.
Is there a cost for me to participate?

Along with your Partnership Agreement, we ask that you submit a $50.00 registration fee
to cover administration costs. The registration process will be completed when both are
received.
How do I create my signature drink?


There are TWO CATEGORIES for entries: Best Hot Chocolate and Best Spirited Hot
Chocolate (spirited drinks include alcohol). You may participate with one or more entries
in each category. To compete in the Spirited Hot Chocolate category, you must be licensed.
Be creative! There are no limits to the recipes that can be submitted.
What should we call our signature drink?


Create a catchy name for your entry that describes your drink and that your customers will
remember when they are entering their ratings.
Consider partnering with a local “celebrity” (even one of your regular customers!) and
naming a drink in their honour – just imagine how many will want to try a drink created
and named for someone they know or recognize!
How much should our signature drink sell for? How much needs to be donated?



Prices are set by each vendor at their own discretion; you are encouraged to set a donation
amount that is relative to the price of each drink.
There will be a prize awarded to the vendor with the most dollars raised.
Consider sales from each of the drinks on your existing menu that include chocolate also
contributing to the overall donation – these funds make a difference in the lives of many!
Is a tax receipt available for the donation?

Yes!
YYC Hot Chocolate Fest Presented by Calgary Meals on Wheels · 5759 – 80 Avenue S.E., Calgary, Alberta T2C 4S6 · Charitable Reg. No. 11882 3749 RR0001
Email: [email protected]· Phone: (403) 243-2834 ext. 1004 · Fax: (403) 243-8438 · www.YYCHotChocolate.com
How will the drinks be judged, and what can I win?



There will be a prize awarded for “Best Hot Chocolate”, “Best Spirited Hot Chocolate” and
“Most Funds Raised”.
Customers can rate each drink on the website. Results will be tallied prior to the awards
presentation on February 28. Average ratings and the number of ratings on each drink
received will be considered when determining the winner.
Winners in each category will be granted bragging rights, promoted on the YYC Hot
Chocolate Fest website, Facebook and Twitter as well as being added to the YYC Hot
Chocolate Fest trophy for this year!
Where are reviews for my drinks posted?

All moderated reviews will be posted within a maximum of 2 working days to each drink’s
rating page on the website. All vendors and their drinks can be found on the “Rate the
Drinks” and “Find a Vendor” tabs.
How long has YYC Hot Chocolate Fest been happening?

We look forward to welcoming new and returning competitors to our Third Annual Hot
Chocolate Fest in February 2014!
How do people find out about YYC Hot Chocolate Fest?




Visit the website at: www.YYCHotChocolate.com
o Features each vendor and the specialty drinks, including maps and links to your
website
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter
o Use of social media leading up to and throughout the event is scheduled, targeted
and includes the promotion of the participants
Promote YYC Hot Chocolate and your drink(s) at your location, on your website and
through the use of your social media and encourage your employees and customers to do
the same!
Media coverage and promotion
o Press releases, launch and awards events and invitations to media to engage
o Significant increase in media awareness from inaugural event in 2012 to 2013:
 Media coverage included TV, radio, print and digital coverage; interviews,
on-location features, and more
How else can I participate?





You can donate prizes that we will use throughout the event for customers who are rating
the signature drinks. Prize donors will be acknowledged and recognized for their
contributions.
You can offer to host media and promotional opportunities that may be available
throughout the month.
You can launch your own social media campaign and encourage your customers to do the
same.
You can invite others vendors to join in the friendly competition and get in on the fun!
You can make suggestions to us at any time!
Contact us at any time for further information, questions or suggestions:
[email protected]
403-243-2834 ext. 1004
To find out more about Calgary Meals on Wheels, please visit www.mealsonwheels.com.