HALIFAX -- A staple of Halifax cuisine was the focus of National Donair Day on Tuesday, celebrating a tasty treat with a charitable twist.
This year marked the 5th annual National Donair Day, after the messy late-night delicacy was named the official food of Halifax in 2015.
Vets Canada is on the receiving end of a campaign put on by the king of this late-night staple. The idea was born from a desire to help.
“It’s Christmas time, there are a lot of vets who need the help, it’s cold outside and we like the organization, we like the group,” says Nicholas Nahas, owner of King of Donair. "We came up with a hashtag #donairsforvets. So each time that hashtag is used online, we’re going to donate one dollar to Vets Canada."
In previous years, a donair-eating contest and other events were held to raise money, but the fundraiser had to be reimagined this year because of COVID-19.
In addition to a $1 donation for every use or share of the hashtag #donairsforvets, a special beer has been brewed, that of course pairs nicely with the pita, meat and sauce.
"It’s an ale, it has a nice spicy flavour to it,” says Rob Finn, Alexander Keith’s territory manager. “There’s no donair meat in the beer, it’s the spices that make the donair."
That has inspired people to eat and tweet. Lindsay Wickstrom, author of the Book Of Donair, was among those waiting in line Tuesday for the official food of Halifax.
“Yeah, National Donair Day, I’m excited to eat some donairs,” said Wickstrom.
The beer proved popular, selling out by early afternoon with the last growler bought by Santa himself.
“They couldn’t turn Santa away and be on the naughty list,” laughs Terry Lovett
To ensure their spot on the “nice list,” Alexander Keith’s also donated $500 to the fundraiser to help vets this holiday season.
