News

Firehouse Subs donating nearly $200K to Chicago fire departments

Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation is donating $190,000 worth of equipment to nine Chicago public safety organizations.

May 15, 2015

Local Firehouse Subs franchisees have big plans for Chicago with a development plan for more than 75 new Firehouse Subs restaurants in the Chicago area. Long before the first restaurant opens in downtown Chicago this summer, however, its non-profit organization, Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation, is ensuring Chicago first responders are better equipped to protect and save lives by donating $190,000 worth of equipment to nine Chicago public safety organizations, said Robin Sorensen, Firehouse Subs co-founder.

“These brave men and women dedicate their lives to protecting ours, and it’s a complete privilege to provide them with the tools needed to help ensure their safety as well as ours,” he said. “As former firefighters, my brother and I saw firsthand how critical it is for first responders to have the training and tools they need to save lives. We’re honored to improve the lifesaving capabilities of Chicago’s firefighters and police officers. The Foundation is at the heart of Firehouse Subs, and we believe every donation is a heroic act.”

Chicago Fire Commissioner Jose Santiago said he appreciates the help as fire and police departments across the nation are all doing more with less.

“The hard work of Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation in securing these assets will assist not only department members in performing their jobs, but ultimately will help the people we are sworn to serve," he said. "On behalf of all the recipient departments, I say thank you."

To raise money for the foundation, Firehouse Subs restaurants participate in a number of fundraising efforts. For example, each restaurant recycles leftover, 5-gallon pickle buckets and sells them to guests for $2. Donation canisters on register counters collect spare change, while the Round Up Program allows guests to “round up” their bill to the nearest dollar.

Since its inception in 2005, the foundation has given $13 million to hometown heroes in 43 states and Puerto Rico, benefiting more than 1,000 public safety organizations in communities across the nation. In the state of Illinois, more than $417,000 has been donated since 2012, and in almost all instances, the awarded tools would otherwise be unavailable, according to a company press release.