Gen7 Fuel, Indigenous-run gas station chain fuelling change

Gen7 Fuel, an Indigenous-run gas station chain, has donated over $150,000 in the last year to foster growth and development across Ontario First Nation communities according to a company news release.

In 2023, Gen7 Fuel plans to up the ante by giving $200,000 to Ontario First Nations.

"Gen7 Fuel continues to lead the way toward a brighter future by contributing directly to First Nations Communities, thanks to a business model that allows for a portion of gas sales to be put where the heart counts," says the release.

Abby McLeod,  Manager of Community Programs, and co-owner of Jocko Point Gen7 Fuel, says she understands how important family, community support, and helping your neighbours is.

This is why Gen7 slogan is Driving together fuelling change for generations to come,” she said.
 
Gen7 Fuel was started with one station in 2019 with the objective of investing in,assisting and supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs in the start-up and operation of retail fuel stations and convenience stores in First Nation communities.

Today there are seven Gen7 Fuel stations in First Nation communities in Ontario with more to come.

"In addition to stations being run by Indigenous entrepreneurs, the Gen7 business plan has always been to go beyond the balance sheet and make sure the long-term sustainable benefits of a successful business remain within First Nation communities," adds the release.

With every fill-up at a Gen7 station, a portion is donated to the community. “This is one of the revenue models we use to put funds into the community we reside in,” McLeod added.

That ranges from community centres to women’s shelters. Recipients of grants are chosen after much research and analysis of community needs.

“Gen7 Fuel wants to uplift and support the First Nation communities we’re in and set the example for other businesses to do the same” Ms. McLeod added.

“This is who we are,” said Monica Homer, North District Manager at Gen7 Fuel.“Preserving the culture of love and caring is just as important to us as profits.”

Gen7 Fuel wants to challenge the way businesses interact with their surrounding communities.

Gen7 Fuel at Jocko Point, near North Bay, donated $5,000 to the Ojibway Women’s Lodge from funds raised through the sale of T-shirts in the campaign last May 5 on National MMIWG2S Awareness Day. The Ojibway Women’s Lodge provides a helping hand and encouragement to
women so they can realize their full potential, in order to rebuild their lives. Jocko Point also donated $10,000 to Nipissing First Nation Elders to go to their 2023 Holiday Party.

Gen7 Fuel French River has given $3,000 to the Henvey Inlet First Nation Health Centre. Funds were raised through the sale of T-shirts at the service station to provide programming for residential school survivors.