Oktoberfest Cares
What is Oktoberfest Cares?
Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest is more than just biergartens.
Oktoberfest Cares is a special program that supports Festival initiatives that enrich our community such as the Onkel Hans Food Drive and keep admission costs low or free for favourites including the Women of the Year celebration and family-friendly events like KIDtoberfest, Willkommen Platz and the Thanksgiving Day Parade. Oktoberfest Cares is our organization’s commitment to community collaboration, giving back, and growing together. It’s a year-round effort that lends to our mission of truly being a supportive, uplifting, and community-driven organization. This means prioritizing our role as an economic driver for Waterloo Region and working with local businesses to create jobs and bring visitors to our region. It also means supporting our community partners by providing fundraising opportunities during our various events. And it means doing the work to ensure that our Festival is a source of community pride and a welcoming space for everyone to celebrate.
Community Impact
Every year, our partnerships with local businesses play a vital role in bringing the Festival to life. These collaborations support business growth, create valuable employment opportunities and help fuel tourism throughout our region.
Diversity & Inclusion
Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest has been dedicated to creating a Festival experience that is safe, welcoming and inclusive for everyone. We know there is still work ahead, but we’re committed to continuing this progress and celebrating a Festival that reflects the diversity and spirit of the Waterloo Region community.
Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest has been working hard over the past few years to ensure that our Festival is a safe and welcoming space for everyone. While we still have more work to do, we’re excited for our values to reflect the diversity of the Waterloo Region community.
Fundraising Efforts
The Onkel Hans Food Drive
The Onkel Hans Food Drive is one of the most substantial Oktoberfest Cares fundraising efforts. Since its inception in 1995, the equivalent of over 1.4+ million meals has been donated to the Food Bank of Waterloo Region.
Women of the Year Awards
Each year, proceeds from Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest Women of the Year Awards directly support our Oktoberfest Cares initiatives, helping us strengthen community programs and create meaningful local impact.
Merchandise Sales
The proceeds from merchandise sales are often donated to charitable partners and support Oktoberfest Cares initiatives. Past beneficiaries have included the Healing of the Seven Generations and the Grand River Hospital Foundation.
Oktoberfest Golf Experience
The Oktoberfest Golf Experience is not just the best golf tournament in the region, it’s also a large source of fundraising. Proceeds from the raffle and silent auction are in support of Oktoberfest Cares initiatives.
