Over 200 volunteers and first responders stream into downtown on Ashland Train Day. As The Official Sponsor of the First Responder Tent, Ashland’s Wawa works to provide volunteers working to ensure Train Day guests stay safe with meals and drinks, while bringing “Goose Pride” and fun to guests.
Ashland Wawa’s general manager Tammy Jarvis said in an interview with Downtown Ashland Association, “It is an exciting day for our team and has become an annual tradition for us to be part of something that touches so many people and makes a difference in their lives.”
Ashland’s Wawa brings a touch of local flair to their custom made salads, full service beverages, hot and cold hoagies, breakfast, lunch, and dinner options which they serve 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
The company’s commitment to the Ashland community extends to local partnerships and national partnerships including JDRF & LLS walks and events, Roc Solid builds, YMCA after school reading programs, and of course, Ashland Train Day. “We see it as a unique way for our associates to continue building relationships with our neighbors in the community,” say Tammy.
Under the sponsorship of Ashland’s Wawa, Ashland Train Day volunteers are gifted Wawa swag, coupons, and even a special visit from beloved mascot, Wally Goose. “Being a sponsor of the volunteer and first responder headquarters is a cause that we are honored to support,” says Tammy.
“First responders are near and dear to us at Wawa as seen at every new store grand opening where we honor police and fire departments with our signature ‘Hoagies for Heroes’ sandwich building competition with $1,000 donated to each department’s charity of choice.”
Ashland’s Wawa is driven by their four guiding principles: Do things right, value people, embrace change, and delight customers. At Ashland Train Day, the company goes the extra mile. Tammy fondly recalls an interaction last year, “When an event guest complimented our Area Supervisor on a hat he was wearing which prompted him to take it right off his head and give it to the guest to brighten his day!”
This year, Wawa plans to brighten the day with chances to win Wawa prizes and food at their booth, while Wally Goose gives away free hugs and photos. The generosity displayed to our Ashland Train Day volunteers makes Downtown Ashland Association proud to partner with our local Wawa store.